A cell phone with a red prohibition symbol flanked by two school bells. The phrase reads: "Bell to Bell NO Cell."

January 6, 2025 Cell Phone Policy Update!

HCMS

December 11, 2024

TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS:

January 6, 2025 HCMS Cell Policy Change

Starting January 6, 2025, there will be a change in our cell phone policy. Please read the information below carefully.

● II-19 Personal technology devices (including, but not limited to smart phones, tablets, game systems, VR devices, cellular enabled watches, earbuds, and laptops) must be off, out of sight, and may not be used by students during the bell-to-bell school day, unless authorized by school administration. If a student is observed using their device during the bell-to-bell school day, that device is to be confiscated and may only be returned to the student’s parent or guardian. The use of personal technology devices to engage in misconduct (e.g., bullying, harassment, or threats) may result in consequences under rules in this Code. Malicious or intentionally destructive use of technology devices or resources (e.g., hacking, password theft, or introduction of viruses) may result in consequences under Rule II-5. The school system assumes no responsibility for personal technology devices brought to school. In emergencies, cell phones may be used by students at the school administrator’s discretion. **Students may lose the privilege to have personal technology devices if there are severe or multiple infractions of Rule II-19.

1st Offense – Warning

*Device is to be confiscated and may only be returned to the parent or guardian.

2nd Offense - Short term suspension (1 day)

*Device is to be confiscated and may only be returned to the parent or guardian.

3rd Offense - Short term suspension (3 days)

*Device is to be confiscated and may only be returned to the parent or guardian.

4th Offense and Subsequent Offenses - Short term suspension (10 days)

*Device is to be confiscated and may only be returned to the parent or guardian.

**Students may lose the privilege to have personal technology devices if there are severe or multiple infractions of Rule II-19.

No Cell - Bell to Bell - means no cell phone use from the arrival at the start of the school day until the dismissal at the end of the school day. This includes lunch and transition time in between class blocks.

Cell Phone and Technology Devices – means any personal device capable of connecting to a smart phone, the internet or a cellular or WiFi network. Personal electronic communication devices may include wearable devices such as glasses, earbuds, AirPods, smart watches, as well as personal headphones, etc.

Off and Away – means a cell phone or personal electronic communication device is OFF and put AWAY – items are not being carried on the student’s person.