STUDENTS
Possession/Use of Portable Communications Devices
A. Portable Communication Devices – DefinitionsFor purposes of this Regulation and Policy 3-65 “Portable Communication Devices” are defined to include portable two-way telecommunication devices, including but not limited to cellular telephones, beepers, walkie talkies, personal digital assistants, and other computing devices (when such device is being used as a communication device). This definition will also include any new technology developed for similar purposes.
B. Middle and High Schools – Possession, Display and Use
1. Students in middle and high schools may possess, display and use Portable Communication Devices before or after the instructional day only as set forth in this Regulation.
2. The school may revoke the privilege to possess or use the Portable Communication Devices for violation of this regulation. (See Student Discipline Guidelines/Code of Student Conduct.)
3. To avoid disruption of the instructional process, students shall not display, use, activate, or permit Portable Communication Devices to be activated during the instructional day. For the purposes of this regulation the “instructional day” is defined as the moment a student enters the school building to the final dismissal bell. The “instructional day” includes, but is not limited to, study halls, lunch break, class changes and any other structured or non-structured instructional activity that occurs during the normal school day. Students are responsible to ensure that their devices are turned off and out of sight during the instructional day.
4. Before or after the end of the instructional day, students may possess, display and use such Portable Communication Devices, as long as such Portable Communication Devices are not displayed, activated or used inside School Board buildings unless use inside School Board buildings is specifically permitted by school administration.
5. Portable Communication Devices at After-School Activities:
Portable Communication Devices may be activated, displayed, or used at after school activities by middle and high school students provided they do not interfere with the after school activity and their use conforms to directives of the school administration in charge of such activities.
Evidence of unlawful or disruptive use will result in disciplinary action according to the Discipline Guidelines as specified in the Code of Student Conduct and/or reports to law enforcement authorities. Before or after the end of the instructional day, middle and high school students may possess, display and use such Portable Communication Devices, as long as such Portable Communication Devices are not activated, displayed or used inside School Board buildings or school buses unless the after-school activity is held inside the school building and use inside School Board buildings is specifically permitted by the school administration.
Students shall be mindful of the disruptive effect to others when making or receiving calls on a Portable Communication Device during an after school activity (indoor or outdoor sports events, club meetings, etc.) and endeavor to use reasonable efforts to minimize inconvenience and discourtesy to others. Students may be disciplined for disruptive or inappropriate behavior related to possession or use of portable communication devices.
6. Portable Communication Devices on Regular School Bus Runs.
Portable Communication Devices may be activated, displayed, or used on a School Board owned/leased school bus or vehicle by middle and high school students while middle and high school students are being transported to and/or from school or school sponsored events.
Evidence of unlawful or unauthorized use will result in disciplinary action according to the Discipline Guidelines as specified in the Code of Student Conduct.
7. Portable Communication Devices in Vehicles.
Portable Communication Devices may be housed in student owned or used vehicles on School Board property; however, their use is prohibited except as specifically authorized by this Regulation.
8. Portable Communication Devices for Walking Zones, Express Stops.
Portable Communication Devices may be used by students walking to and from school or at express stops.
Evidence of unlawful or unauthorized use will result in disciplinary action according to the Discipline Guidelines as specified in the Code of Student Conduct.
9. Responsibility/Liability.
The School Board will assume no responsibility in any circumstance for the loss/destruction/damage or theft of Portable Communication Devices or for any communication bill associated with the authorized or unauthorized use of Portable Communication Devices. Students will be responsible for locating such lost/stolen items.
C. Elementary Schools
Elementary students are not permitted to possess, display, use or activate Portable Communication Devices on elementary, middle or high school campuses during the instructional day. Elementary students are not permitted to possess, display, use or activate Portable Communication Devices on school buses or at elementary or middle or high school sponsored activities at any time.
D. Discipline
School officials shall take possession of Portable Communication Devices for twenty-four hours for any violation of this Regulation and parents/legal guardians/adult students must make arrangements with school officials to claim such devices. Specific time may be established by school officials for parents/legal guardians/adult students to retrieve such devices. Confiscated Portable Communication Devices will not be released to minor students under any circumstances.
In addition to school officials taking possession of these Portable Communication Devices until the parents/legal guardians/adult students retrieve such Portable Communication Devices, students who violate this regulation shall be subject to discipline in accordance with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Discipline Guidelines as specified in the Code of Student Conduct.
As a condition of possessing and using a Portable Communication Device on school property, at school sponsored events or while traveling to and from school, students and their parents/legal guardians are deemed to have consented to reasonable searches of the Portable Communications Device. A Portable Communication Device may be searched or reviewed by school personnel when reasonable suspicion exists that the Portable Communication Device was used in violation of this Regulation, the Code of Student Conduct or other law or regulation. School personnel may use other information obtained from the Portable Communication Device during such review as the basis for discipline or referral to other appropriate authorities.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Regulation may result in revocation of the privilege to possess or use Portable Communication Devices on school property, at school sponsored events or traveling to or from school.
For School Board Policy on School Board controlled cellular telephones, beepers, and other portable telecommunication devices, see School Board Policy 3-65 (Security of Buildings and Grounds: Telecommunications Devices).
Student Discipline Guidelines/Code of Student Conduct.
See school division website www.vbschools.com.
Legal Authority:
Code of Virginia §22.1-277, as amended. Suspension and expulsion of pupils; generally.
Code of Virginia § 22.1-279.6, as amended. Guidelines for School Board policies.
Approved by Superintendent: January 21, 1997
Approved by Superintendent: February 12, 2001
Amended by the School Board: June 11, 2002
Amended by the School Board: June 17, 2003
Amended by the School Board: June 8, 2004
Amended by the School Board: June 5, 2007
Amended by the School Board: June 2, 2009