6.80 - Student Use of Electronic Devices (Including Cell Phones)

The District recognizes that electronic devices can serve as a powerful tool to enhance teaching and learning.  As a result, it has developed the 1:Wonder technology program. The goal of this program is to promote educational excellence through exposure to 21st Century learning tools that will promote critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication – all skills needed to prepare students to be career and college ready.

Currently, students in Preschool through 12th grade are issued an electronic device during the first weeks of school. Students will receive an iPad, district approved protective case, charging block and charging cord. Once issued to the student, the iPad and accessories become the responsibility of the student until the device is returned. Student access to district managed wifi is limited to district managed devices, students should not connect their personal devices to district managed wifi. 

Schools reserve the right to limit student access to electronic devices (this includes cell phones) to promote a safe and productive educational environment.   

Maintaining student safety and appropriate use of electronic devices is essential.  Expectations for the use of technology are included in Board Policy 6:235 and the 1:Wonder handbook found on the Technology homepage under 1:Wonder Program.

Student Cell Phone Use

High School
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, students at Round Lake High School will be required to put their cell phones away and not use them during instructional time unless instructed by their teacher. Students may still use their phones during passing periods and lunch as well as in the case of emergencies, at the discretion of staff.

Staff will be enforcing these new guidelines with the severity of consequences varying depending on the number of violations. If a student continues to have their phone out in class and will not put it away, a teacher may tell the student to put the phone in a lock box. If a student refuses, they will be directed to the Student Services office.

In addition, students will not be allowed to use headphones or have them out during instructional time that does not require headphones. Students will still be allowed to use headphones at the teacher’s discretion during non-instructional time, passing periods and lunch.

Middle School
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, students at John T Magee Middle School and Round Lake Middle School will be required to put their cell phones in their lockers during the day. Students will not be allowed to use cell phones during instructional time. Students may still use their phones during lunch or before and after school.

If there is an emergency, a student should notify their teacher or another staff member, who will direct them to the office.

Staff will be enforcing these new guidelines with the level of consequences varying depending on the number of violations. If a student continues to have their phone out in class and will not put it away, a teacher may have a safety assistant collect the device and put it in a lock box. If a student refuses to surrender their device, they will be directed to the Dean’s office. Students will be able to collect their devices at the end of the day.

In addition, students will not be allowed to use headphones or have them out during instructional time that does not require headphones. Students will still be allowed to use headphones during lunch or before and after school.
 

Cross-reference:
Round Lake Area Schools Community Unit District 116 Policy, 6:235, Access to Electronic Networks