1. Purpose
This policy, adopted by the Marcus Whitman Central School District Board of Education, establishes a District-wide prohibition on student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day, in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

2. Definitions
Internet-Enabled Devices shall mean any device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet, including but not limited to social media applications. Such devices shall include, but not be limited to smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and other portable electronic communication or computing devices. Internet-enabled devices supplied by the School District that are used for an educational purpose are not included in this definition.

School Day shall mean the entirety of every instructional day, including during instructional and non-instructional time, including but not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study hall and passing time. Bell times will be defined in the Code of Conduct for each school building within the District.

School Grounds shall mean in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of the District.

3. Prohibited Use
Students are prohibited from using internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the school day, except as expressly permitted under the exceptions outlined in this policy.

4. Exceptions
Student use of an internet-enabled device during the school day on school grounds may be authorized in the following limited circumstances:
a. Educational Use: If authorized by a teacher, principal, or the District for a specific educational purpose.
b. Health & Safety: Where necessary for managing a student’s healthcare, or in the event of an emergency.
c. Language Needs: When needed by a student for translation services.
d. Student Caregivers: On a case-by-case basis for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member. Such use
will be permitted only upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor.
e. Legal Requirements: When the use of such devices is required by law.
f. 504/IEP Plans: Nothing in this policy is intended to prohibit or otherwise limit a student’s use of an internet-enable device where such use is included in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

5. Communication and Contact
The District shall provide at least one method for parents or persons in parental relation to a student to contact the student during the school day. The contact methods provided will include, but not be limited to the following: A main office phone, classroom phone (with adult permission), and email via school provided devices. Written notification detailing how parents or persons in parental relation to a student may contact students during the school day shall be provided to parents or persons in parental relation to a student at the beginning of each school year and upon enrollment.

6. Storage of Devices
The District shall provide at least one method for students to store internet-enabled devices on-site during the school day. Storage options will include but are not limited to the following: There will be a central collection and disbursement process if and only if the creation of that process does not take away from instructional time or increase labor cost. In the absence of a central collection and disbursement process, student lockers at grades 6-12 will be used for storage, and if that is enacted, effectiveness of that solution will be evaluated over time, and a central collection and disbursement process will continue to be studied, if needed. Students in grades UPK-5 will use backpacks under adult supervision for storage.

7. Discipline and Enforcement
Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary penalties pursuant to the District’s Code of Conduct and subject to applicable law and regulations. Progressive discipline or restorative practices may be used in cases of repeated violations, consistent with the Code.

8. Accessibility and Language Access
This policy shall be clearly posted and accessible on the District’s website. Upon request by a student, parent, or person in parental relation to a student, a translation of this policy into any of the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in New York State shall be provided.

9. Regulations
The Board authorizes and directs the Superintendent of Schools to establish regulations implementing this policy if necessary.