CELL PHONES, HEADPHONES/EARBUDS, SMARTWATCHES
AND IPADS
WE RECOGNIZE THAT PARENTS PROVIDE THEIR CHILDREN WITH CELL PHONES FOR SAFETY REASONS. THEREFORE, WE UNDERSTAND THAT STUDENTS WILL BRING THEIR CELL PHONES TO SCHOOL. OTHER THAN THAT, CELL PHONES MUST REMAIN TURNED OFF AND STOWED AWAY DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.
CELL PHONES/ELECTRONICS MUST BE TURNED OFF AND PUT AWAY INTO THE CLASS’ DESIGNATED AREA UPON ENTERING ANY CLASSROOM THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL DAY. CELL PHONES/ELECTRONICS MUST NOT BE HEARD NOR SEEN DURING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME. IF A CELL PHONE IS OUT OR IS HEARD (I.E. RING, ALARM, VIBRATION) DURING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME, THE DISCIPLINE POLICY IS ENFORCED. IF A STUDENT LEAVES CLASS TO USE THE RESTROOM, THEY WILL KEEP THEIR PHONE IN THE CLASSROOM FOR THE DURATION THAT THEY ARE OUT OF CLASS.
CELL PHONES, ELECTRONICS, AND SMARTWATCHES THAT ARE BEING USED TO MAKE CALLS, TEXT ( PARENTS OR PEERS) OR PLAY GAMES DURING THE DAY WILL BE CONFISCATED AND RETURNED TO PARENT AND STUDENT AT THE END OF THE DAY.
STUDENTS ARE NOT TO CALL, TEXT, OR MESSAGE THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. IF STUDENTS NEED TO REACH A MEMBER OF THEIR FAMILY, THEY CAN USE ONE OF THE PHONES I N THE MAIN OFFICE, CLASSROOM (SUPERVISED BY A TEACHER OR STAFF MEMBER), OR HEALTH OFFICE.
PERSONAL HEADPHONES AND EARBUDS ARE ALSO PROHIBITED DURING TRANSITIONS DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. HEADPHONES AND EARBUDS PROHIBIT STUDENTS FROM HEARING ANNOUNCEMENTS, REQUESTS IN CASES OF EMERGENCY, ETC. HEADPHONES AND EARBUDS WILL ONLY BE USED FOR SPECIFIC CLASS ASSIGNMENTS THAT ARE APPROVED BY THE TEACHER OR ADMINISTRATOR.
****IT IS NOT THE GOAL OF THE SCHOOL TO CONFISCATE A STUDENT’S CELL PHONE, HOWEVER, CELL PHONES SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED OR USED INAPPROPRIATELY, AND CELL PHONES SHOULD NOT BE USED TO CAUSE A DISTRACTION TO THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. STUDENTS WILL BE ASKED TO PUT THE CELL PHONE AWAY IF EXPOSED IN THE CLASSROOM WITHOUT PERMISSION.
SMART WATCHES ARE PROHIBITED!
1st Offense: Verbal request to put phone away (Warning)
2nd Offense: Phone confiscation with parent/student phone pick-up
3rd Offense: Parent/student phone pick-up and 2 after school detentions will be assigned
*****Further issues may result in further disciplinary action.
***Any personal electronic device brought by students is the responsibility of the student.
Holy Name of Mary School will not be held liable for any lost, damaged, or stolen devices. Parents are encouraged to purchase insurance on student devices.
***HNM would like to ensure that parents and students are aware that making an audio and/or video recording while on school grounds or during a school-sponsored activity without permission from school or district staff is a violation of school r ules. In addition, a recording made without permission in a classroom is a violation of California Education Code 51512, and a recording made of a confidential conversation or in a private setting without consent is a violation of California Penal Code 632.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTERSCHOOL:
Cell phones or other portable communication devices are permitted only if the Acceptable Use Policy/Permission Slip is signed by both the student and parent.
Devices must adhere to the following guidelines:
- No apps rated "13 and over" or marked "explicit content" are allowed, except for Google.
- Devices must remain OFF and stored out of sight during school hours.
- Devices may only be used during school hours with teacher permission or for emergencies ( e.g., calling 911).
- Prohibited use includes lunch breaks, class changes, and dismissal times.
Before and After School Usage: Students may use devices outside of school buildings and school buses after hours but not during school-related activities.
Consequences for Violations:
- 1st Offense: Verbal request to put phone away (Warning)
- 2nd Offense: Phone confiscation with parent/student phone pick-up
- 3rd Offense: Parent/student phone pick-up and 2 after school detentions will be assigned
Repeat violations may lead to restrictions on bringing devices to school.
Disclaimer: Holy Name of Mary is not responsible for lost, misplaced, stolen, or damaged devices. The school will not cover replacement or repair costs or unauthorized use of confiscated devices.
The Holy Name of Mary Discipline Manual provides a clear framework for creating a respectful and effective learning environment while ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
HOLY NAME OF MARY SCHOOL IPAD USAGE POLICY
We are proud of our tradition of upholding high academic and integrity standards, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to these values.
Technology has become an essential part of modern education, and we strongly believe that iPads can be powerful tools for learning when used effectively. However, it is evident that many students are not utilizing these devices responsibly. Increased distractions from issues like academic dishonesty, online gaming, and other non-educational activities during class have significantly impacted students' ability to stay focused on their studies.
Monitoring iPad usage at home is an important responsibility, especially since school-issued iPads become unrestricted once students leave our network. We rely on parents to take an active role in overseeing how their child uses their iPad and in helping to foster responsible habits. Your engagement is essential in ensuring your child uses this tool appropriately and effectively.
KEY CONCERNS
The misuse of iPads in the classroom has led to several challenges:
- Non-educational Use: Many students are gaming, browsing unrelated websites, or engaging in social media (chatting sites) during lessons.
- Academic Dishonesty: Cheating via technology has become a recurring issue.
- Disruptions to Learning: These behaviors not only impact individual learning but also disturb the classroom environment, affecting peers.
DISCIPLINARY MEASURES FOR GRADES K-4At Holy Name of Mary School, we are dedicated to creating a positive, respectful learning environment while promoting the responsible use of technology. To help students in Grades K-4 understand and adhere to iPad usage policies, the following consequences will be implemented for repeated violations:
- 1st Violation: The student will receive a warning, and a behavior write-up will be sent home to notify parents.
- 2nd Violation: The student will have a walking recess, and another behavior write-up will be sent to parents. Additionally, the student's iPad will be confiscated for one week. During this period, they are still responsbile for completing all assignments, with teachers providing the necessary materials to keep them on track.
- 3rd Violation: A mandatory meeting with the student's parents will be scheduled.
These measures are not intended to punish but to help the students understand and respect the established policies. Our aim is to instill the value of responsible technology use while encouraging accountability. For younger students, the focus will be on teaching proper iPad usage, which is why the consequences are designed to reinforce appropriate behavior.
Please note that the school reserves the right to confiscate iPads at any time. Repeated non-compliance may result in further disciplinary action, including suspension. Specific measures will be taken as necessary to address ongoing violations.
By working together as a school community, we can ensure a respectful, supportive, and successful learning environment for all students.
DISCIPLINARY MEASURES FOR GRADES 5-8
At Holy Name of Mary School, we are committed to fostering a positive and respectful learning environment while promoting the responsible use of technology. To ensure students honor these expectations, the following consequences will apply to students in Grades 5-8 who repeatedly violate iPad usage policies:
- 1st Violation: The student will receive an automatic detention, and a behavior write-up will be sent home to inform parents.
- 2nd Violation: The student will lose field trip privileges, and a behavior write-up will be sent to parents. Additionally, the student's iPad will be confiscated for one week. During this period, they are still responsbile for completing all assignments, with teachers providing the necessary materials to keep them on track.
- 3rd Violation: Consequences may include exclusion from grade-level events, such as dances. A mandatory meeting with parents, or an in-school suspension to address the appropriate use of school devices.
Please note that the school reserves the right to confiscate iPads at any time. Continued non-compliance may result in additional consequences, including suspension. Specific disciplinary actions for grades 5-8 will be implemented as needed to address ongoing violations.
Together, as a school community, we can create a respectful, supportive, and successful academic atmosphere for all.
