OKU's Cell Phone / Personal Electronic Devices Policy - Adopted Aug. 7, 2024
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OKU's Cell Phone / PED Policy -- Adopted 08.07.24
Oklahoma Union Public School's primary goal is to create a safe environment conducive to learning and free of all distractions that hinder the learning process. This cell phone policy comes in response to a genuine concern for the well-being of our students and our commitment to fostering a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment.
It is the policy of the Oklahoma Union School Board of Education that any student having a cell phone/smartwatch or other Personal Electronic Device (PED) must keep the device in their locker. Devices must remain silent and stored in the student locker. Student’s may check/send messages between classes. Students may lock their locker. The use of cell phones or PED’s will not be a valid excuse for being tardy to class. HS students (9th - 12th grade) may use cellular devices during the scheduled high school lunch period with administrative approval. Oklahoma Union Public Schools assumes no liability for the theft, loss, or damage of cell phones and other PEDs possessed by students.
- The exception to this policy may be granted by the site administrator for purposes relating to 504 OR IEP accommodations or for health needs of a student.
Upon reasonable suspicion, the superintendent, principal, teacher, or security personnel shall have the authority to detain and search, or authorize the search of, any student or property in the possession of the student for unauthorized wireless telecommunication devices.
Students found to be in possession of or using a wireless telecommunications device during class are in violation of the rules and shall be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to confiscation of the device, parent/guardian conference, detention, or suspension. Where appropriate, police authorities may be contacted.
Disciplinary Consequences and Action
Staff members have the right to confiscate cell phones when in violation of this policy. Students who refuse to relinquish a phone or other PED will be referred to the principal or designee. Rules governing open defiance will apply as outlined in the student handbook.
1st violation: detention, parent/guardian will be notified.
2nd violation: ISS (1 day), parent/guardian will be notified.
3rd violation: ISS (3 days), parent/guardian will be notified.
Subsequent Violations: will be at the administrator’s discretion and may include OSS.
REFERENCE: 70 O.S. §24-101.1, et seq. 70 O.S. SS24-102
FAQs about the OKU Cell Phone policy
Q - What is the rationale for students not having access to their phones and PED during lunch and transitions?
1. Focus on Learning - Prioritizing school as a place for distraction-free learning.
2. Cyberbullying - Limiting/eliminating the opportunity for students to have pictures and videos taken of them by other students without their permission.
3. Minimizing inappropriate use of social media - The inappropriate use of social media is a problem throughout the country. Students will not use cell phones or PED’s during class time.
Q - What if my child is ill or has an emergency?
A - Students will report to a nurse, administrator, counselor, teacher, or front office personnel, and they will assist them appropriately.
Q - What if there is a school emergency?
A - The school will communicate through our communication platforms. Please ensure your contact information is correct in your parent portal.
Q - How can a student contact their parents during the school day?
A - A student who has an emergency and needs to contact their parents during the school day will be permitted to do so from the nearest office. All MS/HS students have a Chromebook and a school email that can be accessed during the school day. OKU suggests that this email becomes the main point of communication between the parents and students during school hours. Additionally, students will have access to PED/cell phones between classes for parent messages.
Q - How can a parent contact their child during the school day?
A -There are several options. 1. Parents can email students using their school issued email. In the event of an emergency, a student will be removed from class and directed to the nearest office. 2. MS/HS students can check for messages on cell phones in between classes. 3. A parent can call the school if they need to get a message to their student. School personnel will relay that message to the student.
Q - What if I need to contact my child about a change in their pick-up routine, medical appointment, etc.?
A - There are several options. 1. Parents can email students using their school email. In the event of an emergency, a student will be removed from class and directed to the nearest office. 2. MS/HS students can check for messages on cell phones in between classes. 3. A parent can call the school if they need to get a message to their student. School personnel will relay that message to the student.
Q - Can my child use their phone AFTER school?
A - Yes, This policy is in effect from the time a student arrives at school until the completion of the instructional day.
Q - Will my child be able to carry their phone in their backpack, purse, pocket, locker, etc., during the day?
A - No, devices must be kept in a student vehicle, left at home, or placed in a locker. IF the student has 1st or last hour Athletics class in a building outside of the designated area (ES Gym/Fieldhouse, etc.) those students may not use cell phones/PED or have them visible, but should put phone/PED devices in lockers immediately upon entering the building.
Q - What is a PED?
A - A PED is a Personal Electronic Device; such as, but not limited to: Smart Watches, Air Pods, Headphones, Earbuds, iPods, MP3 Players.
Q - Will my child be able to text or communicate on their Smart Watch?
A - No, this policy covers all cellular phones and all personal electronic devices (PEDs).
Q - Can my child use their AirPods, headphones, or earbuds?
A - Not generally, but exceptions will be made for educational purposes approved by the school administration.
Q - Can my child bring/use iPod, MP3, and other personal entertainment devices at school?
A -Yes, iPod, MP3 and other personal entertainment devices must be kept in lockers and NOT taken into the classroom
Q - Can they use their devices during lunch?
A - At this time, HS students MAY use their phones during the designated lunch period. This privilege is subject to change as determined by the OKU administration.
Adult cellphone expectations
While driving: Use of such devices during working hours, including any school sponsored extracurricular activity, whether to have a conversation or to text a message, while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. If an urgent call or text message is received or made, an employee must pull into a safe place and stop the vehicle before utilizing any mobile device.
While in classroom or performing work duties: cell phones, electronic devices, or wearable technology (such as smart watches) should not be used during working hours in a classroom while responsible for the well-being of children unless during an emergency situation.
During planning periods and breaks: Cell phones may be used by adults during scheduled breaks or planning periods in order to conduct school or personal business.
Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) The viewing, posting, or liking of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok are prohibited during working hours unless using OKU sponsored social media platforms to conduct school business.