Electronics Policy
(Including cell phones, mp3 players/ipods, video game players)
While we clearly understand that electronic devices play an important role in the lives of
many students and that cell phones are a great means for parents to keep track of
children, their use should not interfere with our ability to educate each child. The use of
electronic devices, including mp3 players and headphones, cell phones, and video game
players, is having a detrimental impact on student behavior and achievement. These
devices represent a significant threat to student privacy, safety, property and academic
success. Specifically, students
1. Use their phones to talk or text during class/instructional time
2. Lose valuable personal equipment through theft
3. Receive or send threats and harassing messages during school hours via text
messaging
4. Receive or send inappropriate pictures via text messaging
5. Are involved in disruptive, defiant, or distracting behavior tied to the use of
ipods/mp3 players in class
The staff at Rowe Middle School is committed to providing a safe and effective learning
environment for all students. To meet this goal, if a student uses or displays a cell phone,
electronic music player, or personal video game console during school hours (9:15-4:05)
the following consequence(s) will result:
1st offense: Confiscation of the device by a staff member. Student may pick up device at
day’s end.
2nd offense: Confiscation of the device by a staff member. Parent/guardian contact.
Student may pick up device at day’s end.
3rd offense: Confiscation of the device. The device will not be returned to the student. It
will be given to the parent or guardian who comes to pick it up from the office.
Additional offenses may result in a loss of privilege or additional consequences
These guidelines and procedures will be in effect from the first bell at 9:15 (10:15 on
late start Wednesday’s) until the final bell at the end of the day. Since it is
sometimes necessary for parents to communicate with their child during school hours,
they are free to call the office (503-353-5725) and have a message sent to them. The
students could be allowed (with staff permission) to use the school phones if it is
necessary to contact a parent during the instructional day. Use of an electronic device
during after-school activities will be at the discretion of the supervising coach/staff
member.
Student Name: ________________________________________
Grade:______
Student Signature:______________________________________
Date: _______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________
Date:_______