Cell Phone Procedure

Dover High School Cell Phone Procedures

Overview and Rationale
Research shows that students' use of cellphones in school negatively impacts student performance and mental health. Cell phone use at school can impede instruction and has been shown to exacerbate depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in children. This policy is intended to promote a learning-focused environment while recognizing real-world needs for communication outside the school day. We ask for the cooperation of students, parents, and staff in supporting these procedures for the benefit of all.

At Dover High School, we recognize that cell phones have become the normal means for parents/guardians to coordinate after-school activities, schedules, and transportation issues. Recognizing this reality, but also needing to ensure that the educational process is not disrupted and the integrity of academic work is not compromised, student cell phone use at school should be minimal, and only during specified times as outlined in this policy.

Students may have cell phones while attending school; however:
-During instructional time, phones must be off and stored out of sight (examples include but are not limited to: classroom cellphone holders, locker, backpack)
-No earbuds, AirPods, or other Bluetooth/wired listening devices may be visible during instructional time.
-Smartwatches may only be used in the watch setting.

Upon entering a classroom, media center, or instructional space, students are required to put their phones in designated holders and keep them there until they leave the space.

The school district shall assume no responsibility for the security of or damage to any privately-owned technology brought to school. Individuals are encouraged to purchase private insurance for loss, damage, or theft of any privately owned technology that is brought to school.

Classroom Procedures
-When students enter the classroom, they are to immediately place their phones in the designated classroom holder.
-Teachers should assign numbers in the holder to organize phone placement.
-Students with an approved exception will carry a laminated pass to show the teacher.
-Students whose phones have already been confiscated by the administration will carry a temporary pass for the day.
-Students may not charge their phones in classrooms or offices.

Violations
If a student takes out a phone during instructional time in the classroom, the teacher/staff will ask the student to put the phone in the holder. If there is a second occurrence in the same class period, students are subject to progressive consequences.

Exceptions Procedure
Dover High School recognizes that there are exceptional circumstances in which a student may require access to a cell phone or related device during the school day. To maintain the integrity of instructional time while providing necessary flexibility, the following exceptions process has been established:

Exception Categories

Exceptions may be granted for the following documented reasons:
-Medical Needs: Students who require a phone or device to manage a medical condition (e.g., monitoring blood sugar, seizure alerts) with documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.
-Documented Disability Accommodations: Students with a Section 504 Plan or IEP that explicitly allows access to a phone or assistive technology during instructional time.
-Emergency Family Circumstances: Temporary exceptions may be granted by the administration for family-related emergencies or legal situations (e.g., court-ordered communication).
-Administrative Approval: Any other exception deemed necessary by a school administrator on a case-by-case basis.

Exceptions Request Process

Submission of Request:
Parents/guardians must submit a written request to the Vice Principal outlining the reason for the exception and any relevant documentation (e.g., medical notes, legal documents). Students may not initiate or receive exceptions without parent/guardian involvement.

Administrative Review:
The school administration will review requests and consult with the school nurse, counselor, or case manager (as applicable). If approved, the student will be issued a laminated exception pass indicating the approved actions, which must be kept with them and shown to staff upon request and noted in Genesis for teachers/staff.

Pass Guidelines:
The pass grants permission to keep the phone on their person, but its use must be limited to the specific purpose outlined in the approval.
Students may not use the device for personal communication, social media, or other purposes. Misuse of the device or failure to follow the guidelines may result in revocation of the exception.

Duration and Renewal:
-Temporary exceptions (e.g., family emergencies) will have a clearly defined end date.
-Long-term exceptions (e.g., medical or disability-based) will be reviewed annually or as outlined in the student’s plan.