Personal Electronic Devices

Per SJUSD Board Policy: To support student learning and reduce harmful or disruptive acts of the instructional program. Board Policy (BP) 5131.8 prohibits student use of mobile communication devices, with limited exceptions.

Rio Americano High School Mobile Communication Policy

Limiting phone and non-educational electronic device use in classrooms is key to an environment free from distractions. Therefore, the use of personal devices is allowed only before/after school, lunch, passing period, or under the direction of a classroom teacher. Phones are strictly prohibited from use in any school restroom or locker room. We ask that families partner with us in our effort to protect valuable learning time.

For our purposes, “personal device” will include the following: all cell phones, earbuds, airpods, headphones, smart watches, and/or any other device causing a distraction. 

Upon entrance into the classroom, students must put all personal devices away as directed by the teacher.  Students will be asked to either put their cell phones in their backpack or they will be asked to utilize a class storage device that they will place their cell phone in.

*Appropriate accommodations will be made with individual students as needed for IEP/504 and medical needs (ie. blood sugar monitoring app).

Infraction #1: Teacher/Staff prompts the student to put the device away. Email is sent home to notify parent/guardian of violation.  

Infraction #2-3: Teacher assigns after school detention and contacts parent/ guardian.

Infraction #4+: Repeated violations will result in referral to Administration and student discipline may include; parent/student conference, social probation, Thursday School and/or other type of discipline up to and including banning the device from school. 

Behavior Referral: Non-compliance or classroom disruption associated with electronic devices will result in a referral directly to administration. 

Rio Americano and SJUSD are not responsible for lost, stolen, and/or damaged electronic devices; students who bring an electronic device to school do so at their own risk.

In the event of needing to contact a student immediately during class time, a parent/guardian may contact the office directly. 

 

This policy is in accordance with the state of California adopted Assembly Bill 272 in July of 2019. The bill declares that there is growing evidence that unrestricted use of smartphones by students during the school day interferes with the educational mission of schools; lowers pupil performance, promotes cyberbullying; and contributes to an increase in teenage anxiety, depression, and suicide. The bill further encourages local agencies to adopt policies to address cell phone use in schools. San Juan Unified has a Board Policy that aligns with AB 272.