Cell Phone Policy

BMS CELL PHONE POLICY 19-20

PURPOSE

Cell phones can be a distraction to students during the school day and perpetuate ongoing behavior issues. It is important that you understand the rules to avoid fines and the confiscation of a cell phone for periods of time.

Together, we can help make the learning day disturbance-free by turning off these devices and following the BMS campus policy.

OVERVIEW

During the school day, cell phones should not be visible. Cell phones should be turned OFF, put away prior to students entering Brewer Middle School, and should not be used in any capacity during the school day. Additionally, headphones, handheld video game devices, iPods, etc. will also not be permitted in the classroom, hallways, restrooms, or the cafeteria. The owner of the cell phone that is taken up will receive the cell phone violation. Students who refuse to comply (hand the phone in upon request) will have automatic disciplinary actions and could result in escalation of cell phone offense.

In the event that communication with your child is necessary all calls should go through the front office and a message will be sent to the student. 817-367-1267

Cell phones and electronic devices used in violation of this policy will have the following consequences:

First Offense: Phone will be confiscated, parent/guardian will be notified, and the phone will be returned to the student at the end of one school day.

Second Offense: Phone will be confiscated, parent/guardian will be notified, and the phone will only be returned to the parent/guardian at the end of the school day or when the parent is available.

Third Offense: Phone will be confiscated, parent/guardian will be notified, the phone will be held for 5 days or a parent or guardian may pay $15 as an alternative to a 5 day wait period.

Fourth Offense: Phone will be confiscated, parent/guardian will be notified, the phone will be held for 10 days or a parent or guardian may pay $15 as an alternative to a 10 day wait period.

Fifth Offense: Phone will be confiscated and will not be returned to the student until the end of the school year. Administrator has discretion to shorten this time period. A cell phone violation can be escalated through administrative discretion.

Texas Education Code 37.082(b)(2) authorizes school districts to “charge the owner of the device or the student’s parents an administrative fee not to exceed $15 before it is released.”