Cell Phone Policy
Students may use their personal electronic devices at school; however, their use is limited to note-taking and research. Students found using their devices inappropriately during seminar/class time may have their device confiscated for the day. The second offense will result in the device being confiscated and the parent will be called in to pick up the device at the end of the day. A third offense will be dealt with by the Administration, and could result in a suspension. CELL PHONE USAGE CONTRACT As a member of the community of St. Joseph Catholic High School, I recognize that using my PED (personal electronic device) is a privilege, not a right. As such, I shall honor this privilege by using my PED in appropriate situations only. With Respect to my Peers: I honor my friends by listening to them and not diverting my attention away from the conversation when I receive a text/call. · I finish my conversation before returning to the text. · I say, “Excuse me...” when the call is of the utmost importance and I must answer it. · I let my voicemail take the call in all other cases. With Respect to the Learning Floors: I do not let my PED distract me from the task of learning. - I wear headphones while watching videos/or taking a call · I turn off the “ringer” and don’t let incoming texts or calls disrupt others. · I do not text others or take calls while on the learning floor. · I only text or call if it is of an educational nature, but will leave the floor in those cases so as not to distract others. With Respect to Seminars or the Classroom: I realize the classroom/seminar is where I should focus my attention, and my notifications can wait until the period is over. · I will turn the ringer/vibrate function off during seminars because using my phone during instructional time is detrimental to my learning and the learning of others. · I will not use my PED in seminars unless I have been given permission by my Course Advisor. With Respect to Help Desks: The Help Desk is for concentrated one-on-one help and I will be respectful of both the teacher’s time and my own learning. · I will not accept calls or text when at the Help Desk. With Respect to my Teacher Advisor: I recognize the power and convenience of my PED in assisting me and my Teacher Advisor and in the development and monitoring of my educational goals. · I will use the tools, such as my cell phone, to assist in achieving my ultimate goal: my High School Diploma or Certificate of Completion · I may use my PED as a method of communicating educational concerns with my Teacher Advisor. · I will use my PED appropriately or risk the suspension of my privileges. With Respect to the use of Microsoft TEAMS: I recognize that TEAMS is an effective communication tool, and that I will check my messages often. - While I may send messages to my teacher or fellow students at a time convenient to me, I will not expect an immediate response outside of school hours. Staff are not required to check/respond to my messages beyond work hours. - I will maintain a courteous and professional manner in how I message and respond whether in virtual meetings or in the messages I send. Ultimately, using my PED at St. Joseph Catholic High School is a privilege and I promise to follow the etiquette mentioned above for PED use; otherwise I will willingly and without reservation surrender my PED and my privilege to my Teacher Advisor, any teacher, staff member or administrator.