BCBE Cell Phone Policy:

Effective at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, the Blount County Board of Education will implement a Bring Your Own Device Policy 5.0 (BYOD). Students may have electronic communication devices and other digital devices in their possession such as IOS devices (Macbooks, Iphones, IPads, IWatch etc.), smartphones, tablets, mp3 players, and laptops to be used for instructional purposes. They must be turned off, charged, and only in use with permission. Students will not be allowed to bring chargers to charge devices. The principal, teacher, or supervising employee may approve the use of personal electronic devices for instructional purposes, after regular school hours, during medical emergencies, natural disasters, or under circumstances in which the use of the devices serves safety and convenience without disrupting academic or school operations. The principal, teacher, or supervising employee will also have the authority to further restrict the use of personal electronic devices by any student to prevent the misuse, abuse, or violation of school rules regarding the use of such devices. Electronic communication devices and other digital devices will not be allowed to be present in standardized testing situations based on State Department of Education Policy. 

Students and parents must sign a technology contract that outlines the terms of the policy prior to bringing any device. Neither the Blount County Board of Education nor local schools are responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items as this is a voluntary program. If students and parents do not agree to the terms, those students will not be allowed to participate in BYOD. Students will have basic technology available at school necessary to complete lessons and assignments as directed by the teacher. 

The purpose of the BYOD initiative is to enhance instruction and assist students in developing communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills necessary to meet the College and Career Readiness rather than a cellular data plan in order to meet Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliance. Appropriate authorized use may include the following: research, organization of information into tables and graphs, organization of tasks using calendars, sharing information documents, and making calculations. Examples of unauthorized use or misuse, for the purpose of this policy, may include (but are not limited to) any of the following: having the device out in class, hallways, restrooms, or lunchrooms, texting, playing games, using apps, visiting websites, taking , posting, and/or sharing photographs and/or video on school campus or on the bus, without the supervising adult’s permission. The consequences for unauthorized use or misuse are outlined below:

 First Offense Take the phone or other electronic device, hold until the parent/guardian comes to the school and meets with an administrator to discuss the policy and the consequences of further violations of the policy. The parent/guardian will be asked to sign a verification/documentation form of the meeting. 

 Second Offense Take the phone or other electronic device, hold for seven (7) school days. A parent/guardian must pick up the cell phone or other electronic device from an administrator and again sign the verification/documentation form. The administration may assign detention, in-school suspension or Saturday school to the student. 

Third Offense Take the phone or other electronic device, hold for nine (9) weeks of school. The student will also be placed in alternative school for three days. 

* A disciplinary hearing will be held for any student that continues to violate this policy after the third offense. **A disciplinary hearing will be held for any student who violates the policy and refuses to give the phone or electronic device to school personnel.