Possession/Use of Paging Devices and Cell Phones: South Carolina law and School District policy define a paging device as “a telecommunications device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor” This definition includes cell phones. a. The administration and teachers at school sites will direct the use of cell phones for academic purposes in classrooms or around the school.

a. The administration and teachers at school sites will direct the use of cell phones for academic purposes in classrooms or around the school.

i. Use of cell phones in academic settings will be directed by the classroom teacher within the established school policy.

ii. In all cases, unless school-specific rules apply, cell phones should be turned off and placed out of sight during class time.

b. Schools may establish zones where open cell phone use for other than academic reasons is appropriate and permitted such as cafeterias and common areas (excluding hallways).

c. Violation of school-based cell phone policies will result in confiscation and/or a discipline referral for Refusal to Obey.

i. Cell phone use for making phone calls during the school day should not be permitted as this is disruptive.

ii. Students may not use cell phones for capturing video during the school day

The law provides that each school district shall have a policy which addresses possession of such devices by any student.

The policy of this District, is set forth in Policy JICJ.

Note: Utilization of such device in a restroom, even on first offense, may be subject to loss of privileges for the remainder of the year and at least a three-day suspension.

Please see Student Code of Conduct for additional information.