Due to the rise in bullying reports, prank 911 calls, and misuse of the approved cell phone policy, the NTPS school board amended the cell phone/electronic device policy as follows:
CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY
The New Town Public School District acknowledges parental concern for the safety and well-being of their children while they are attending school or school-sponsored activities. We also understand parental beliefs that students’ possession of cell phones/electronic devices enhances their safety and security. The school realizes, however, that student misuse of cell phones/electronic device:
(1) *Undermine the learning environment
(2) *Disrupt academic instruction and distract students
(3) *Compromise the integrity of student testing
(4) *Increase disciplinary problems including bullying
(5) *Jeopardize the safety and well-being of students and staff
(6) *Violate privacy rights of students and staff
(7) *Increase the school’s exposure to opportunistic litigation and potential legal liability
(8) *Hinder law enforcement response time and/or active investigation(s).
Possession of Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
(1) New Town students in grades K-12 may not have cell phones/electronic devices with data services, or ear buds in classes for any reason. All high school and middle school students will place their phones in a Yondr pouch and cell phones must be placed and locked inside the office each day upon entering the building. This includes before school starts. Any student seen in possession of a cell phone during the school day, will have the cell phone/electronic devices immediately confiscated. The cell phones/electronic devices and the pouches will be stored upon the discretion of the building administration. The discipline matrix will be followed for consequences of breaking the cell phone policy. The pouches will be unlocked when students leave the building. Students that have off hours may pick up their phones from the office if they leave the building. If they return to the building, they must turn in their phones to the office to be locked in a pouch. If they remain in the building, even if they have an off period, their phones must remain in their pouch until the end of the school day (3:50 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and 3:00 pm on Wednesdays).
(2) Students who attend after school extracurricular activities may have a cell phone/electronic device in their possession when they leave for the activity. Elementary students will not get their phones during field trips that are held during the school day until they return to the school.
Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Disciplinary Action
The publication of this cell phone/electronic device regulation serves as a first (1st) warning to students for disciplinary purposes. Failure to adhere to the terms of this regulation will result in the following progressive discipline.
· First (1st) Offense - The cell phone/electronic device shall be confiscated and given to the principal for the remainder of the school day and picked up by the student at the end of the day. A discipline referral will be completed for documentation.
· Second (2nd) Offense - A discipline referral will be completed for documentation. (1) Loss of privileges and (2) Suspension from school for 3 to 10 days.
· Third (3rd) Offense and subsequent offenses - The cell phone/electronic device shall be confiscated and held by the principal and the student will be deemed insubordinate. A discipline referral will be completed for documentation. (1) Loss of privileges and (2) Suspension from school for 5 to 10 days. A parent meeting with administration will be required prior to the students returning to school.
Responsibility for Cell Phones/Electronic Devices—Students are solely responsible for the care and custody of cell phones/electronic devices that they choose to bring to school. The New Town School District shall not assume responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of any cell phone or electronic device. Furthermore, New Town School District shall not assume responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of any cell phone/electronic device that is confiscated according to this regulation. From the school’s perspective, these items should be left at home and not brought to school.
New Town Public POLICY ADOPTED: 8/1/2024
School District #1 POLICY REAFFIRMED:
POLICYAMENDED: 10/8/2024 3/21/2025