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Cell Phone Procedures

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE TECHNOLOGY POLICY

At Gulf Shores Middle School, we recognize the importance of communication and collaboration in the world today. While we provide devices for students to be productive in the classroom, we also understand the need to establish guidelines to ensure a focused learning environment. To maintain a positive academic atmosphere and reduce unnecessary distractions, the school enforces the following cell phone and personal technology (including earbuds, headphones, smart watches, etc.) policy:

  1. Cell phones and all personal technology shall be TURNED OFF AND KEPT IN THE STUDENT’S BACKPACK WHILE ON CAMPUS by 7:40 am.

  2. Personal technology can be used at the end of the school bell upon exiting the building at 3:00 pm to communicate regarding transportation.

  3. If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, he/she must come to the office.

 

If students violate the school's cell phone and personal technology policy, the following consequences may occur:

Offense - Action Taken - Consequence

1st Violation - Electronic device turned into the main office. - Phone/Device taken; parent/guardian pickup after school; student counseled.

2nd Violation - Electronic device turned into the main office. - Phone/Device taken; parent/guardian pickup after school; 1-day OCS; behavior contract.

3rd Violation - Electronic device turned into the main office. - Phone/Device taken; parent/guardian pickup after school; 2-day OCS; parent conference; loss of Phone/Device privileges.

4th Violation - Electronic device turned into the main office. - Phone/Device taken; parent/guardian pickup after school; no Phone/Device on campus for 9 weeks; daily inspections; 1-day OSS.

5th Violation - Electronic device turned into the main office. - Phone/Device taken; parent/guardian pickup after school; escalated to defiance; further suspension at admin discretion.

Additional Notes:

  • Repeated offenses of the policy may be treated as defiance under the school's Code of Conduct.

  • Lost, stolen, or damaged devices are not the responsibility of the school.

  • The school reserves the right to inspect and review any device used in violation of this policy if it involves safety, bullying, or academic dishonesty concerns.

Additional Offenses: Each additional infraction could result in an out-of-school suspension. Students may be placed on a remedial discipline plan with a daily check-in/check-out expectation.

Note: Technology offenses are cumulative per student, not per device or type of device. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones and cannot assist in searching for lost devices.

*The administration reserves the right to adjust these consequences on a case-by-case basis if needed. For example, extreme behaviors that break the law or engage in bullying or harassment of other students may result in suspension and/or devices may be turned over to law enforcement. Please be aware that this policy is subject to review and modification as necessary to reflect changing circumstances and technological advancements.