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Student Personal Smart and Other Communication Devices

 

At San Martin Gwinn, our goal is to foster a focused, respectful, and productive learning environment. To support this, we have implemented a schoolwide policy regarding the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. 

Policy Basis and Rationale

This policy is aligned with MHUSD BP 5131.8 and Assembly Bill 3216 – The Phone-Free School Act, supports compliance with safety laws and district policies, and is grounded in the following goals:

  • Productivity: Personal devices can interfere with academic focus and reduce classroom engagement.  Using school-issued devices can keep students focused and safe while learning online.
  • Security: School-issued devices are filtered and monitored for student safety, unlike personal devices.  The district IT department is able to flag apps or websites that may pose data privacy risks on school-issued devices, as well as provide alerts for concerning search terms or online behavior.  Using school-issued devices reduces incidents of inappropriate content access. 
  • Minimizing Distractions: Texting, social media, and gaming negatively impact student behavior and learning outcomes.

Devices Covered by this Policy

This policy applies to all personal smart devices, including but not limited to:

  • Cell phones
  • Smartphones
  • Smartwatches
  • Smart glasses
  • Smartpens
  • Personal laptops
  • Smart cameras
  • Other internet-enabled devices
  • Earphones/headphones
  • Gaming devices
  • Tablets

General Guidelines

  • Devices brought to school are at the student’s own risk. The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronics.
    Students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices during instructional hours, including during tutorial. All classrooms will follow a consistent procedure to reduce distractions and support academic success.

Procedures for Personal Smart Devices

  • The school has a specific designated area where middle school students are allowed to use an electronic device before school, brunch, and lunch. 
  • Grades TK-5: Students may use their personal smart devices after leaving their class at the end of the day and while waiting for their ride at the pick-up area when staff supervision is present. Students who need to call parents during instructional time may use the school phone with permission from a staff member. 
  • Grades 6–8: Students may use their personal smart devices before and after school, lunch, and brunch in the middle school designated area only. Students who need to call parents during instructional time may use the school phone that is in the main office with permission from a staff member. 
  • Each classroom will display a posted copy of the schoolwide expectations.
  • Students are expected to:
    • Place their phones in their backpacks on silent mode. 
    • Store earphones, headphones, smartwatches, and smart glasses in backpacks, which should remain on the floor.
    • Leave devices in the room when leaving class for the restroom or other reasons. 

Progressive Interventions

  1. Reminder
    • Staff provides a verbal reminder and prompts the student to follow the expectations.
    • If reminders become habitual, staff may escalate immediately to the next step.
  2. In-Class Confiscation
    • If the device is out without permission, staff may ask the student to place it on the teacher’s desk or in another secure, designated location.
    • Staff will contact the student’s guardian and document the incident in Aeries for repeat offenses.
  3. Office Confiscation and Referral
    • Continued violations will result in the device being sent to the front office and a referral being made.
    • 1st offense: The student may pick up their device at the end of the day.
    • 2nd offense and beyond: A parent or guardian must retrieve the device from the office.

Prohibited Use and Legal Considerations

  • Students may not take photos, videos, or audio recordings during class time without prior approval from both the teacher and administration.
  • Students may not take photos, videos, or audio recordings of other students without prior approval from students who are being recorded or photographed.
  • Phones are strictly prohibited in PE locker rooms and restrooms.

Violations may result in:

  • Disciplinary referrals
  • Detention, suspension, or expulsion
  • Police involvement in cases involving recording in private areas

Emergency Communication

In case of an emergency, students may request to use a school phone in the front office.