The district believes that the use of student communication devices (SCDs) must be regulated to assure that the use of such devices does not disrupt or interfere with the educational process or school operations. Therefore, students may only use SCDs on district property, on a district vehicle or at a district or school-sponsored activity or event in accordance with this policy.
For purposes of this policy, “student communication device” (SCD) means a device that is capable of making and receiving calls, sending and receiving text messages, or accessing the internet. This includes a cell phone or watch with these capabilities. “Student communication device” does not include a device, such as a laptop or tablet, that is: (a) made available to a student by the school or the school district; or (b) used by the student as required by the school or the school district.
For purposes of this policy, “designated school day” means the time period when a school provides educational services to students. The designated school day ends at dismissal.
Students shall not use SCDs as follows:
1. Students in grades PreK-8 are prohibited from using SCDs on school premises during the designated school day. The school day includes but is not limited to instructional time, lunch periods, passing periods, recess, school-sponsored programs, events or activities, or any other time during the designated school day. All SCDs shall be kept in designated areas or storage devices and turned off.
2. Students in grades 9-12 are prohibited from using SCDs during instructional time. Instructional time includes the entire period of a scheduled class and other times when students are directed to report to and participate in any instructional activity. Students are also prohibited from using SCDs during passing periods, school-sponsored programs, events or activities within the designated school day. All SCDs shall be kept in designated areas or storage devices and turned off during prohibited times. Student communication devices may be used during lunch periods, however such use is discouraged.
SCDs that produce any audible sound, a ring tone, or vibrating alert, whether through a speaker, earbuds/earphones, buzzer, or other means shall be deemed to be used in violation of this policy.
Notwithstanding the prohibitions set forth above, students may possess and use a SCD during the school day if the possession and use are necessary as an effective communication accommodation pursuant to the federal “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,” to comply with the student’s Individualized Education Program or the student’s Section 504 plan, or to monitor or address the student’s medical condition.
Students shall not use SCDs on District vehicles in a manner that may interfere
with or disrupt the safe operation of the vehicle, as determined by District
transportation officials or their designees.
Student use of SCDs with cameras and/or video recording capabilities is prohibited at any time in locker rooms, bathrooms or any other location where such use could violate another person’s reasonable expectation of privacy.
Student use of tracking and listening devices is also restricted. Any listen-in capabilities in any type of SCD must be disabled during the designated school day. Unauthorized audio or video recordings, or transmission of audio or images of students, is prohibited. Parents or guardians operating devices that track student locations or activities must notify the district in advance and may be required to enter into a user agreement prior to use of such devices.
Students may not use SCDs to engage in, promote or facilitate any other conduct that violates the student code of conduct, other District policies or regulations, or state or federal law.
Violation of this policy or any other district, school or classroom rule or regulation on student use of SCDs may result in disciplinary measures and/or temporary confiscation of the SCD. A conference with the parent/guardian, student and school personnel may be required before a confiscated device is returned to the student. If the building principal or designee believes a student’s possession or use of a SCD may involve a violation of the law, the building principal or designee may also refer the matter to law enforcement.
The district shall not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of SCDs brought onto school or district property or while the student is attending district or school-sponsored activities or events.
Adopted: Prior to June 2017
Revised: June 2017
Revised: September 2020
Revised: June 2025
LEGAL REF.: C.R.S. 18-7-109 (posting, possession or exchange of a private image by a juvenile)
CROSS REFS.:
Administrative policies:
JIC Student Conduct
JIH, Student Interviews, Interrogations, Searches and Arrests
JK Student Discipline
JS, Student Use of the Internet and Electronic Communications
Lake County School District R-1, Leadville, Colorado