School Board Policy 4010-R Cellphone guidance

The following information is included in Policy 4010-R – Standards for Student Conduct. The information may be found beginning on page 17 of the document.

Cellphone guidance

The following guidance remains in place until such time that there is a school division and/or school defined emergency whereby students can then turn on and/or use a cellphone or personal electronic communication device. In addition, a cellphone or personal electronic communication device may be used in accordance with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) or an individualized health care plan.

An additional exemption can be determined, if necessary, by the school division and/or school principal on a case-by-case basis, including field trips, etc.

“Instructional Day” means bell-to-bell— from when the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the academic school day. It includes lunch and time in between class periods.

“Personal Electronic Communication Device”, etc–means any personal device capable of connecting to a smart phone, the internet, a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connects to another similar device. Personal electronic communication devices may include some wearable devices such as smart watches, as well as personal headphones, laptops, tablets, and other future personal electronic communication devices with the abovementioned characteristics.

“Stored”, etc–means a cellphone or personal electronic communication device not being carried on the student’s person, including not in the student’s pocket. Options include, but are not limited to, in the student’s backpack, in the student’s locker, or in a designated place in the classroom.

High School Level Guidance 

Students are allowed to possess a cellphone or other personal electronic communication device while on school property during the instructional day. However, the phone or other personal electronic communication device should be turned off and stored in their backpack. 

• If the procedures are violated, it may result in confiscation of the cellphone or other personal electronic communication device. Repeated violation of these procedures could result in the loss of these privileges and may result in in-school detention or out-of-school suspension of up to ten days. 
• A student found using a cellphone or other personal electronic communication device during any testing situation will have the cellphone or other personal electronic communication device immediately confiscated and will lose the privilege for the remainder of the school year. 
• Any student who uses a cellphone or other personal electronic communication device for unlawful activity while on school property, or while attending any school function or activity, will be subject to disciplinary action that may include out-of-school suspension or a recommendation for expulsion. 
• If a student is found in violation of cellphone or other personal electronic communication device, the following consequences will be issued: 
  
  

1st Violation 

• Cellphone or personal electronic communication device is confiscated and given to administration. 
• Cellphone or personal electronic communication device is returned to the student at the end of the day.
   

2nd Violation 

• Cellphone or personal electronic communication device is confiscated and given to administration. 
• Cellphone or personal electronic communication device is returned to the parent at the end of the day. 
• Students are subject to appropriate disciplinary consequences which may include in-school detention. 
  
  

3rd Violation and Subsequent Violations 

• Cellphone or personal electronic communication device is confiscated and given to administration. 
• Parents must schedule a parent/student/administrator conference between 8:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Cellphone or personal electronic communication device is returned to the parent. Additional violations of the appropriate school-use expectations may result in the loss of the privilege to have a cellphone or personal electronic communication device on school grounds. 
• Students are subject to appropriate disciplinary consequences which may include in-school detention or out-of-school suspension. 

If a student refuses to hand over a cellphone or personal electronic communication device, it will be considered refusal to comply with staff request. Refusal to comply with staff request and use of the cellphone or personal electronic communication device in school may result in more severe disciplinary consequences. 

School Bus (extension of school property) 

Cellphones and other personal electronic communication devices may be used. 

• Use of cellphones or other personal electronic communication devices to record misbehavior on the school bus is prohibited and in violation of the acceptable use policy. Repeated violation of these procedures could result in the loss of these privileges and may result in suspension from the school bus or out-of-school suspension of up to ten days. 

Chesterfield County Public Schools is not responsible for lost or stolen personal cellphones or other personal electronic communication devices. 

Click here to view policy 4010-R in full, including cellphone guidance for elementary and middle schools.