Hamilton County Schools has a district wide cell phone/electronic device policy, with discretion given for grades 9-12 if devices can be used at lunch. Per the policy, all students grades 6-12 “may possess devices so long as they are not seen or heard, and should be stored in closed pockets, backpacks, purses, bags, assigned locker, automobile, or other school location.” Students at SMMHS may not have devices seen or heard from when students arrive at 7:15am until school ends at 2:45pm.
“Devices are defined as cell phones, personal communication devices, and electronic personal devices including, but not limited to, wearable technology such as eyeglasses, rings, earbuds, headphones, or watches that have the capability to record, live stream, or interact with wireless technology.”
At SMMHS, students in grades 9-12 may use a device during lunch while in designated lunch areas, including the cafeteria, library, and quad. Students are not permitted to use devices in the hallways or any other areas than designated during lunch. Administration reserves the right to monitor this privilege and can revoke lunch electronic access as determined appropriate.
The policy also states that “taking photos or recording videos, whether by cell phone or any other device, is prohibited. Using cell phone cameras to record altercations on school grounds or at school events is prohibited. In such cases, phones may be confiscated as evidence and consequences will be assigned. Consequences may be issued for the person who records and/or shares an altercation. Cell phone recordings done outside of school that are shared by and with members of the school community and cause harm toward students and/or a significant disruption in school are prohibited.”
“When technology is used to support the instruction of standards in the classroom, the use of chromebooks should be prioritized over cell phones.”
“STUDENT EXCEPTIONS- Students may be allowed to use a cell phone as a tool for hearing, translation, or other functions for students with a 504 Plan or IEP that articulates both the need and parameters for use. All staff will be informed if a student has an identified exception and will accommodate the student accordingly.’”
The consequences for violations of this policy both at the HS and/or MS levels shall result in the following actions per the HCDE Code of Acceptable Behavior (COAB):
1st Violation – Phone and device privilege is lost for the remainder of the day with a parent being required to pick the phone up from school. If a parent is unable to pick the phone up, then the school will hold the phone for 3 days before returning it to the student.
2nd Violation - Phone and device privilege is lost for 5 school days. Student must check their phone in with their grade level Assistant Principal each morning and check the phone out each afternoon. Failure to check in a phone or device, checking in an alternate phone or device, or using another student’s phone or device, will result in additional days of lost phone privilege and/or In-School Suspension.
3rd Violation – Phone and device privilege is lost for 10 school days. Student must check their phone in with their grade level Assistant Principal each morning and check the phone out each afternoon. Failure to check in a phone or device, checking in an alternate phone or device, or using another student’s phone or device, will result in additional days of lost phone privilege and/or In-School Suspension.
4th Violation and Beyond – Phone and device privilege is lost for 20 days, 45 days, 90 days, or for the remainder of the year, depending on the violation. If a student uses another student’s phone or device at any time during this period, the student will receive In-School Suspension. If a student brings a phone or device to school at any time during this period, the student will receive Out-of-School Suspension.
School-Issued Chromebook Notes: As part of the district-wide 1:1 initiative, all students in grades 6 through 12 will have access to school-issued Chromebooks for academic use. Like phones, all Chromebooks must be used appropriately at all times in alignment with district and school policies.
Note to Parents: Please do not try to contact or communicate with students via cell phone, text, etc. during instructional or restricted times. All emergency contact to students should go through the main office or nurse’s office when necessary. Each classroom is equipped with a phone so teachers can be reached to receive information or important student messages relayed from the office. In most cases, a student may be given permission to use a classroom or administrative telephone to contact a parent or guardian if necessary. Please note that all students will have access to their phones at least once per day to check any messages from parents or communicate with parents regarding transportation changes, after school activities, etc.
This policy is designed to protect the educational program of all students. Students found by staff members to be in violation of the above rules will be subject to the disciplinary actions stated in this policy. Students using cell phones or electronic devices in a manner that violates our school rules of conduct (sending inappropriate messages or pictures, harassment, unlawful use, etc.) will be subject to more severe disciplinary actions up to and including extended suspension and/or expulsion. Neither the Hamilton County Department of Education nor Signal Mountain Middle High School will assume any liability for any lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones or electronic devices in school or any related activity.
Hamilton County Department of Education Technology Use Policies
The use of technology is an essential component of the school program and the educational process. The Hamilton County Department of Education will allow students and employees access to HCDE’s wireless network using school-issued Chromebooks and personally owned phone devices. The use of HCDE’s network is a privilege not a right and may be revoked at the discretion of the administration. Therefore, it is important that students use their devices responsibly, respect the property of others, and demonstrate that this use benefits them academically and helps build good digital citizens.