UAGC Cell Phone Policy Summary:

students are allowed to bring cell phones into school. At UAGC, Students are allowed to use them for learning with permission from the teacher. The School Leadership Team believes that students should learn to use their cell phones as a tool and resource for learning and therefore should not be banned. Consequences for non-educational uses are outlined in the full policy below:
 


THE URBAN ASSEMBLY SCHOOL FOR GREEN CAREERS

SCHOOL-BASED POLICY FOR USE OF CELL PHONES, COMPUTING DEVICES, AND PORTABLE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are permitted to bring the following electronic items to school: 1) cell phones; 2) laptops, tablets, iPads and other similar computing devices (“computing devices”); and 3) portable music and entertainment systems, such as iPods, MP3 players, PSP, and Nintendo DS.  This privilege is subject to the following limitations and restrictions:

  1. The use of cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems at school is subject to the restrictions below.

  2. Cell phones and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.

  3. Computing devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program (“IEP”) or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.

  4. Use of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and other electronic devices is prohibited during the administration of state standardized examinations (e.g. Regents) as governed by State Education Department Rules.

  5. Cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during school fire drills, other emergency preparedness exercises or during the event of an actual emergency unless otherwise directed by school staff.

  6. Cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be used in locker rooms or bathrooms.

  7. Cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be used for audio/video or photographic recording of a person without their explicit consent.

Cell phones may be used as set forth below:

During the school day:

  • Cell phones must be turned off and put away out of sight during instructional time and/or on a field trip, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.

  • During non-instructional time, cell phones may only be used in the cafeteria during a student’s designated lunch period.

After the school day:

  • Cell phones may not be used during school-sponsored programs or activities, except with the explicit approval of the supervising staff member.

Computing devices may be used as set forth below:

During the school day:

  • Computing systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.

  • During non-instructional time, computing devices may only be used in the cafeteria during a student’s designated lunch period.

After the school day:

  • Computing devices may not be used during school-sponsored programs or activities, except with the explicit approval of the supervising staff member.

Portable music and entertainment systems may be used as set forth below:

  • Portable music devices and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used while on school property.

Confiscation and return of electronic items

Students will get expectation reminders as per the Classroom Discipline Ladder for a violation of this policy.  If a student continues to misuse cell phones, computing devices, and portable music entertainment systems after the expectation reminders, or if a student is found to be in violation of another student's personal safety while using this technology, it will be an immediate Principal Referral.  Consequences for this type of referral may include:

  • confiscation of item and return at end of school day

  • confiscation of item and return to parent/guardian following a conference

  • confiscation of item and return following student entering into behavioral contract

  • confiscation of item and return to parent/guardian at the end of a specific period of time or the end of the school year in June

  • revocation of privilege to bring item to school

DISCIPLINE

Students who use cell phones, computing devices, and/or portable music and entertainment system in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“ISUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.

NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE, THEFT, OR LOSS

The School is not responsible for stolen, damaged or lost cell phones, computing devices or portable music and entertainment systems brought onto school grounds.  In the event that a cell phone, computing device, or portable music and entertainment system is reported stolen, our staff will thoroughly investigate the incident and address any student related misconduct accordingly.