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Cell Phone Policies and Procedures

 

SOA Cell Phone Policies and Procedures

 As educators and leaders, it is our job to provide a healthy and safe community where all students are given the freedom to focus and thrive. Although we recognize the important role technology plays, research has shown that time away from phones and social media is essential to healthy growth and effective education. With this in mind, we will be moving to a phone-free school policy. This means that phones must be turned off and stored away for the entire school day. 

 Policy JICJ, "Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day."

When May Cell Phones Be Used?

  • After 3:30 PM: Cell phones and electronic devices, including smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, etc., may only be used after 3:30 PM.
  • During the School Day: Devices that connect to the internet may not be used during instructional time, class changes, or lunch. The only device authorized for use during the school day is the school-issued Chromebook.
  • Purchases: Phones cannot be used for vending or purchasing during the school day. Please plan accordingly with a card or cash.



 

Procedures

  • Usage Restrictions: Cell phones may not be used until after 3:30 PM. Students must either not bring internet-connected devices to school or ensure that these devices are powered off and stored in lockers, student backpacks, or personal vehicles.
  • Device Visibility: At no time should a phone or peripheral device be visible, heard, or kept in a pocket or purse.
  • Classroom Use: Students may use cell phones only if the classroom teacher gives explicit permission as part of instruction.
  • Peripheral Devices: Headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth devices must also be stored in lockers, backpacks, or vehicles during the instructional day.
  • Academic Integrity: If students use a cell phone to illegally enhance academic performance (their own or others’), additional consequences for academic dishonesty will apply.
  • Unethical Behavior: If a student uses a cell phone to engage in illegal or unethical behavior such as bullying, harassing, threatening, or intimidating, the student will face additional consequences per the CCSD Progressive Discipline Plan.
  • Confiscation: If cell phones or internet-connected devices are used during the instructional day or in instructional areas, they will be confiscated and returned according to the guidelines outlined below.
  • Applicability: These policies and procedures also apply to Academic Magnet High School.

 

  

 

How can a parent contact a student during the school day?

Parents can contact students using their CCSD email address. If there is an emergency, parents can call the front office at 843-529-4990 to communicate crucial information.  Please do not email or phone teachers or counselors to relay information to students. 



 

What are the consequences for a student who accesses or uses their phone or personal electronic device during the school day?

Teachers and staff will enter the student information into Review360 and our administrators will follow up with the student.  The consequences are listed in the Charleston County School District Progressive Discipline Plan. 330 - Cell Phone infraction is at the top of page 6 on this document.


Revised 12-17-24-Effective 1-6-25