Starting January 7, 2025, after the return from winter break and as required by a new state law, Lexington Two students will not be permitted to use, or have visible, any personal electronic devices or device accessories at any point during the school day. This includes during lunch, class changes, and recess. We have shared information about this in previous communications and posted it on our websites.
Here are some frequently asked questions, as we make this transition.
OVERVIEW
What is included in a personal electronic device/accessories definition?
- Cell phones (both phones that connect to the internet and non-internet connected phones that send and receive text messages, and make phone calls)
- Personal electronic devices such as electronic tablets and video games
Airpods, earbuds and Bluetooth connected headphones
Smartwatches and fitness trackers that connect to the internet
Where should these accessories be kept during the school day?
Students must have their personal electronic devices/device accessories powered off and stored in their personal backpack or comparable bag that is approved as appropriate by the administration and is in the students’ possession during the school day. Putting phones/accessories into the pocket of a clothing item is not approved storage.
When is my child allowed to use electronic devices/accessories at school?
During the bus ride to/from school, and after the final dismissal bell ending the school day. Only high school students may access their phones after arriving on campus and prior to the first morning tardy bell. Students who stay after school for practices, games, or school-related events may use their cell phones and accessories during this time.
CONTACTING YOUR CHILD/EMERGENCIES
What if I need to reach my child, or my child needs to reach me?
Parents/Guardians who need to contact their student during the school day may call the school’s main office number. If a student needs to contact a parent/guardian, a phone will be available in the main office.
What if my child needs their phone in case of an emergency or lockdown at the school?
The South Carolina Department of Education states the following from school security experts saying phones can make children less safe in crisis situations:
- -Student use of cell phones during an unfolding emergency can distract their attention from safety and emergency response directions being given by school staff.
-Cell phone use by students can hamper rumor control and, in doing so, disrupt and delay effective public safety personnel response. - -In an emergency lockdown situation, cell phones can ring or vibrate audibly at a time when students need to be quiet for safety reasons.
-Students and worried family members trying to get through can jam communications, interfering with first responders.
Please note, the district’s new policy does not remove cell phones from schools. Employees including school administrators, teachers, and crisis team members will have cell phones that they can use as an emergency management resource tool. In addition, school staff have access to communication devices to contact the school office should emergency conditions arise. Finally, students are not prohibited from accessing their phones in the event of an emergency once they are safe.
If my child doesn’t have a phone, how will I be notified if there is an emergency?
We have a comprehensive emergency plan in place at every school. Parents will be notified and updated in a timely manner through school/district communications systems regarding any emergency. That’s why we ask parents/guardians to ensure that their contact information is correct in PowerSchool, and that cell phone texting is enabled to allow district texts.
EXEMPTIONS
What if my child has a documented medical condition that must be monitored by their cell phone?
This exception must be written into a 504, IEP, or medical plan/order, and is specific to the need only and still prohibits cell phone use for any other purposes. Parents/Guardians will be expected to provide medical documentation to support this need.
What if my child has an IEP/504 Plan?
It is extremely rare for a cell phone to be required for an IEP/504 plan. But if the situation does arise, documentation should be provided as part of a request to be considered for an exemption. The exemption is specific to the need only and still prohibits cell phone use for any other purposes.
Are there any other exemptions?
Students who are members of a volunteer fire service are eligible. The superintendent must approve the exemption in writing. Teachers may also submit an exemption request based on a specific educational activity. The superintendent must approve these classroom exemptions in writing prior to the activity. The event/activity should not occur unless approval has been received.
What if my child has anxiety issues or sensitivity around noise that phones and AirPods/headphones can help?
We recognize that students may use these devices as coping supports. However, during the school day alternate coping strategies must be provided because the use of phones and AirPods/accessories are prohibited. Teachers and staff (school counselors) can work with and support your child to find alternatives.
How will school staff know if my student has an approved exemption?
Schools will reprint your child’s ID card with a phone designation on it.
VIOLATIONS/CONSEQUENCES
What happens if my child violates the policy?
A person who finds a student in violation of the policy must report the student to the school principal or his/her designee. Upon notification, the principal or his/her designee will follow these procedures:
- First offense: Warning, documented in writing
- Second offense: Detention, parent/guardian communication
- Third offense: One-day ISS, conference with student and parent/guardian
- Fourth offense: One-day OSS, conference with student and parent/guardian
- Fifth offense: One-day OSS, conference with student and parent/guardian, privilege to possess a personal electronic device/device accessories on school property revoked for remainder of school year.
Violation of this policy beyond the fifth offense will be considered an act of defiance, and the student will face disciplinary consequences in accordance with the district’s Code of Conduct.
What if my child refuses to put a cell phone or electronic device away when asked?
If at any time during the school day a student is asked to power off and put away devices/device accessories but refuses to do it when asked, it, too, will be considered an act of defiance and addressed in accordance with the district’s Code of Conduct.
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If after reading this you have questions, please talk with your school administrator.