Truman Announces Cell-Phone Policy

To view the original memo from Principal Alfano, please CLICK HERE.

SCHOOL-BASED POLICY OF HARRY S TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL FOR USE OF CELL PHONES, COMPUTING DEVICES, PORTABLE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES OR ITEMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Effective March 2, 2015, students are permitted to bring electronic items to school such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, iPads and other similar computing devices. However, it is understood that the school is not responsible for lost or stolen devices at any time.

The use and possession of cell phones or computing devices at school is subject to the conditions below.

1. Cell phones and other electronic items may be used as set forth below
   1. During the school day:
      1. Cell phones and other electronic items may solely be used outside the building before school begins and outside the school building after school ends.
   2. During after-school, school-sponsored programs or activities:
      1. Electronic items may be used outside the building before a school sponsored program begins
   3. Cell phones and other electronic items may not be used as set forth below
      1. During the school day:
         1. Cell phones and other electronic items may not under any circumstances be turned on or used while on school property. This includes during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.
         2. Cell phones and other electronic items may not be visible. They must be kept in backpacks, etc. They may not be worn on a student’s person, such as a belt, or in full view of anyone.
         3. Cell phones and other electronic items may not be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
         4. Cell phones and other electronic items may not be used in locker rooms or bathrooms.
      2. During after-school, school-sponsored programs or activities:
         1. Cell phones may not be used inside the building during a school sponsored program.

• Violation of cell phone and electronic items privileges
  1. In determining whether to confiscate an electronic device, school officials will consider the nature of the violation. Where appropriate, measures will be instituted in a progressive fashion. Such measures may include, but are not limited to the following:
     1. Verbal warnings
     2. Confiscation of item and return following parent conference
     3. Revocation of privilege to bring item to school
     4. Principal’s Suspension

Students who use cell phones or other electronic devices in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“IAUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code. Such infractions include disobeying the lawful authority or directive of school personnel in a way that substantially disrupts the educational process.