BMS Policies & Procedures
Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy
PURPOSE
Cell phones and other personal electronic devices 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/other personal electronic devices 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 and other personal electronic devices should not be visible (in back pockets etc) and will not be permitted for use in the cafeteria, classrooms, hallways, restrooms, or gyms. BMS is not responsible for lost or stolen devices. All electronic devices except for their school-issued laptop 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. This policy includes but is not limited to: cell phones, headphones/airpods, handheld video game devices, iPods, smart watches, personal tablets or laptops. The owner of the personal electronic device that is taken up will receive the violation barring extenuating circumstances. Students who refuse to comply (hand in the device upon request) will have automatic disciplinary actions and could result in escalation of the 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. If you call or text your student during the school day, please understand the student will be in violation and if caught will have their device taken up.
Cell phones and personal electronic devices used in violation of this policy will have the following consequences:
First Offense: Device will be confiscated, parent/guardian will be notified, and the device will be returned to the student at the end of one school day.
- Second Offense: Device will be confiscated, parent/guardian will be notified, and the device will only be returned to the parent/guardian at the end of the school day or when the parent is available.
- Third Offense: Device will be confiscated, parent/guardian will be notified for pickup, the device will be held for 5 days or a charge of $15 may be paid to avoid the 5 day wait period.
- Fourth Offense: Device will be confiscated, parent/guardian will be notified for pickup, the device will be held for 10 days or a charge of $15 may be paid to avoid the 10 day wait period.
- Fifth Offense: Device 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 device 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.”
Tardies, ID & Dress Code Information
All communication regarding Dress Code/ID Consequences, Tardies, and Fees will be done through an automated system called Student Conductor. If anything is entered into the Student Conductor system for your student, you will receive an automated email and/or text message.
Students are REQUIRED to wear their picture ID on a lanyard at ALL times. All students are given their first ID, lanyard, and protective sleeve for FREE.
If a student forgets their ID at home, they are issued a TEMPORARY ID for the day. The student will be charged $1 to their Skyward account for EACH temporary ID received. If a student loses their ID and needs a new one, they can purchase one for $4. Replacement lanyards can be purchased for $1. Students can use any lanyard as long as it is school appropriate.
If a student is not in class when the bell rings for each of their class periods, they are considered tardy and the tardy consequences will apply. There are 5 opportunities to be tardy in one day (including 1st period) so getting to class on time is very important.
Number of Tardies/Dress Code Violations
Tardy/Dress Code Consequences | Consequence |
1-2 | Written Warning |
Tardies/Dress Code Violations up to 3-8 | Lunch Detention |
Tardies/Dress Code Violations up to 9-10 | After School Detention |
Tardies/Dress Code Violations over 10 | Assistant Principal Discretion |
|
|