Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phone Policy Update
On May 29, 2024 the Board updated their policy in compliance with Ohio H.B. 250, which requires schools to implement uniform, school-wide procedures regarding cell phone use during the school day. The CPS Board policy can be found here.
The Walnut Hills student handbook from 2023 states, under “Messages” that: Delivering messages to students involves the interruption of classroom instruction. Therefore, only messages of an urgent nature from parents will be delivered. Routine calls will not be honored. Cell phones may not be used during classes.
However, under “Cell Phones” the handbook states: Students are permitted to have cell phones at school. Use in the classroom is at the discretion of the teacher.
This is not in compliance with the Board policy.
Therefore, we propose the following change to our school cell phone policy:
In accordance with CPS Board Policy 5136, A student may possess a cellular telephone or other electronic communication devices (tablets, smartwatches, laptops, headphones/earbuds, and similar devices designed to receive and send an electronic signal) in school, on school property, at after school activities and at school-related functions. However, students who are on cell phones or other electronic devices when it is not part of the instructional lesson are not fully engaged in learning. In order to preserve the teaching and learning environment, this document outlines the cell phone and ECD use policy.
During instructional time the cellular telephone or other ECD remains off and stored out of view.
The above restriction may be temporarily removed by a staff member for educational purposes. During non-instructional time during school hours and during school activities after school hours, the respectful, non-disruptive use of cellular telephones and other ECDs shall be permitted, unless otherwise directed by the administrator or sponsor.
Instructional time begins with the ringing of the bell to begin each class, and lasts until the ringing of the bell to end each class. Students may access ECDs during study hall, between classes, or during lunch, as long as they are not a disruption to other students. When headphones/earbuds are permitted, such as during study hall, between classes, or during lunch, one ear should be available at all times to hear class/school directions/announcements. Students are NOT permitted to carry ECDs while out of class with a hall pass (i.e. to the restroom, counselor, office). Students MUST sign out with a timestamp, designating the destination they are visiting when leaving the classroom. Upon returning to the classroom, students must sign back in using a timestamp.
When serving a disciplinary assignment, students will be required to turn in their phone for the duration of the assignment. This includes: Detention, Friday School, and the Alternative Learning Center (ALC).
Students may not use cellular telephones or ECDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet websites that are otherwise blocked to students at school. This includes social media pages.
Students who act against this policy will face the following tiered consequences. These consequences will reset each quarter. Teachers will note each offense as a discipline referral in Focus, and email the grade level administrator. Confiscated phones will be turned into the grade level administrator and a record will be kept on the student discipline log.
First offense Detention
Second offense Detention and confiscation for the remainder of the bell
Third offense Friday School and confiscation for the remainder of the day
Fourth offense ALC and confiscation for the remainder of the day
In accordance with the Cincinnati Public Schools Code of Conduct, students have no expectation of privacy in cell phones or other electronic devices brought to school. If there is reasonable suspicion that a search will reveal a violation of school rules, cell phones and other electronic devices may be confiscated and searched by administration or designee, including searching calls, emails, contacts, texts, and other communications or Internet access.
If the ECD violation involves an illegal activity, the administration must also refer the matter to law enforcement. If the violation involves other infractions outlined in the Student Code of Conduct such as inappropriate communication, profanity, bullying/harassment/intimidation, cheating, etc, school officials may select the corresponding corrective strategies.
