Cell Phones and Shaw Middle School

• Possession and use of personal telecommunications devices (PTDs), including mobile telephones, pagers, CD and MP3 players, iPods, Smart Watches, etc., by Shaw Middle School students are not permitted on school property during class times. Cell phones must be turned off from the first bell in the morning until after the dismissal bell in the afternoon.
• PTD usage before the first bell, after the last bell and during lunchtime is allowed and a privilege requiring students to manage their PTD use appropriately when on Spokane Public Schools property.
• PTDs are to be placed in student lockers and locked from the start of the school day until after the last period of the day and during after school activities.
• The use of PTDs capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at school-related or school-sponsored events.
• Teachers may allow students to use personal telecommunication devices as part of their instruction only when each student has turned a signed (student and student’s guardian) technology agreement into the teacher. Technology agreements are valid only in specified teachers’ classrooms.
• PTDs can be brought to school but must remain off or silent and completely out of view on-site for the entire school day. For first offenders, any phone in view and on-site will be confiscated, logged, a call made to home, and securely held until the end of the school day, at which point it can be collected by the student. Parents may be asked to pick up the phone from the public office.
• Shaw Middle School and Spokane Public Schools are not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic device.

Personal Telecommunications Device Guidelines

The staff at Shaw Middle School recognize the importance of communication and collaboration and provides devices for students to be productive in the classroom. To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the school enforces the following:

• Cell phones and all mobile devices shall be TURNED OFF when entering the school campus
• Cell phones and all mobile devices shall be kept in a student’s locker – not in clothing pockets
• Cell phones and all mobile devices are not allowed to be used in the classroom, library, common areas, locker rooms, gym, or restrooms
• Cell phones and all mobile devices can be turned back on at the end-of-school bell and used to communicate directly with parents/friends who are assisting in transportation       
• Cell phones and all mobile devices are not allowed to be used during transition times or between classes
• If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, they are to come to the office

PTD Policy Violations Consequences

1^st Offense

• The device will be confiscated, placed in a labeled envelope, and delivered to the office.
• Parent/guardian notified
• Device held in office until the end of the day or until parent/guardian releases it
• Student or parent/guardian will sign for the device when picking it up from the office

2^nd Offense

• Parent/guardian notified
• Device held in office until the end of the day or until parent/guardian picks it up
• Parent/guardian and student meet with an Administrator.
• Parent/guardian will sign for the device when picking it up from the office

Note: The second time the cell phone is confiscated, the cell phone will be either kept at home or checked in at the office daily for a period of up to 45 days or until the student has earned back the privilege of having the cell phone while at school. This option requires the student to show that they understand how to manage their PTD while at school and parent permission.

3^rd Offense

• Parent/guardian notified
• Device held in office until the end of the day or until parent/guardian picks it up.
• Parent/guardian will sign for the device when picking it up from the office
• Parent/guardian and student meet with an Administrator.
• Student will serve In School Intervention and successfully complete assigned lessons

Note: The third time the cell phone is confiscated, the cell phone will be either kept at home or checked in at the office daily for a period of up to 90 days or until the student has earned back the privilege of having the cell phone while at school. This option requires the student to show that they understand how to manage their PTD while at school and parent permission.

Note: Students who refuse to surrender their phone to faculty, staff and/or administration will be considered defiant and or insubordinate and may be assigned additional intervention and or discipline.