In order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their educational environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples' ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other
members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In-person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community.
For this reason, student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time is prohibited. Students have access to district-owned electronic devices as appropriate for the instructional needs of the learning environment and authorized by the classroom teacher. Parents or guardians who need to communicate with students during instructional time may contact the school building administrative office.
Instructional time is defined to mean periods of classroom instruction from the beginning of class bell until the end of class bell.
Personal electronic devices means any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. This may include but is not limited to electronic communication equipment, mobile phones, smart phones, video game devices and portable media players. Students may wear smart or electronic watches but may not use any communication applications or features that are prohibited from use on other electronic devices and all notifications must be turned off. Personal electronic
devices that have been specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or an Individual Health Plan (IHP) are exempt from this policy.
Parents or guardians of students may request to building level administration that a student retain access to the student's personal electronic device during instructional time if the parent or guardian can establish there is a legitimate reason related to the student's mental or physical health for the student to retain access during instructional time. This reason must be tied to the student's multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework. Any denials may be appealed to the Superintendent, who will be the final decisionmaker on the request.
Students who choose to use personal electronic devices outside instructional time but while on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in a manner that may impact the educational environment must use these devices in accordance with all applicable laws and board policies. Students who violate this policy may face disciplinary consequences up to and including suspension or expulsion. The Superintendent, in conjunction with building level administration, will develop administrative regulations in accordance with this policy.
Legal References: 16 C.F.R. 312
34 C.F.R. pt. 99
47 C.F.R. 54.520
Iowa Code 279.8
I.C. Iowa Code
Cross References: 401.12 Employee Use of Cell Phones
Approved: 5/12/25
Reviewed:
Revised: