New policy and regulation prohibit student use of personal communication devices during the instructional day.
The Fredericksburg School Board on Monday unanimously approved a new policy prohibiting the use of “personal communication devices” by students in school buildings during the school day.
“The use of PCDs on school grounds must be appropriately regulated to protect students, staff, and the learning environment,” the policy states. “The purpose is to prevent disruption of the learning environment and to maintain order during the school day on school property and off school property during instructional activities.”
The definition of “personal communication devices” includes computers, tablets, e-readers, handheld game consoles, cell phones, smart watches, wireless headphones, “and/or other cellular-enabled devices of any type” that is not owned by Fredericksburg City Public Schools.
Elementary school students are not permitted to have a personal communication device at all. Middle and high school students may use their devices before or after the instructional day—such as on the bus—but devices must be stored in locked Yondr safety pouches during the instructional day.
“Violations of this Policy may result in school disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, the temporary confiscation of the [device],” the policy states.
It also states that, “Students shall have no expectation of privacy with respect to their use of PCDs on school premises and during school-related functions, both on and off campus.”
In addition to the policy, the School Board approved an accompanying regulation, which lays out expectations for students, teachers, and staff members, and possible consequences for violating the new policy.
According to the regulation, the school division “reserves the right to monitor, review, and restrict the use of any PCD.”
“The contents of the equipment are subject to review at any time for any lawful reason, consistent with the policies of FCPS and applicable law,” it states.
The regulation states that teachers and staff should model appropriate behavior by not using their own personal devices during the instructional day.
Teachers are not permitted to authorize student use of their devices “to fill instructional time or to occupy students in lieu of providing instructional activities or as a reward.”
They are not expected to confiscate student devices but must follow the prescribed disciplinary guidelines, the regulation states.
Consequences for misuse of personal devices range from a warning to an out-of-school suspension.
The School Board approved the policy and regulation, which were developed following a June 18 work session with middle and high school faculty and staff, without discussion on Monday.
By Adele Uphaus
MANAGING EDITOR & CORRESPONDENT
Email Adele
