BOTETOURT CO., Va. – The Botetourt County Public School Board approved a division cell phone policy, the school said in a statement to parents Thursday.
The school said that the policy was adopted to prevent distraction from instructional hours and promote safe and respectful learning environments.
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The county said that all personal devices must be turned off and out of sight during instruction time. However, devices may be used before the official start of the school day and after dismissal.
During lunch there will also be designated areas where device use will be allowed, device use is also permitted in special circumstances, such as for students with medical devices and those with Individualized Education Plans.
Parents are encouraged to contact the school office for urgent communications with their child during school hours. in case of emergency, students may be allowed to use their device with the approval of school personnel.
Violations and enforcement in the policy are as follows:
- First Violation
The student will receive a verbal warning, and the device may be confiscated for the remainder of the school day.
- Subsequent Violations
Devices may be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. ○ Repeated violations may result in further disciplinary actions, including detention, suspension, or revocation of privileges to bring devices to school.