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Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones are a major problem on school campuses across the country. Ringing cell phones are disruptive during class time. Camera phones and text messaging are used to cheat on quizzes and tests. Social Media is used to bully, to showcase fights, and to detriment other students. Phones are also stolen, loaned to other students, may be lost or broken and have exacerbated crisis situations. The use of cellphones at school is detrimental to the academic, social and emotional climate because it takes away very valuable time from learning as a student and as a person.

Due to the enormous time spent on issues related to cell phones, the administration has decided not to allow them on campus. This includes after-school programs.

  • Students will need to silence their phone and turn them into the designated box with their name as they come into the school every morning. The boxes will be locked in the school office until dismissal, when students will be allowed to get their phones back. 
  • If a student does not turn in their phone and they are caught with it during school hours, even if they are not using it, it will be confiscated and turned it to the office. A family member will be notified. The cell phone will be returned ONLY to the Parent/Guardian of the student. The student, sibling, neighbor or relative other than the parent/guardian, may not pick up the phone.
  • Staff members are allowed to request students to turn in their phones. They are also allowed to search their backpacks. If they refuse, they will be removed from class and guardians will be called.
  • Repeated violations will result in parent conference and confiscation of the phone until the following Monday. Progressive discipline will take place as needed (warning, recess/after school detention, suspension).

THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY.

California law specifically allows schools to restrict cell phone use at school, and the law gives schools a wide berth to restrict cell phone use in the way the schools see fit. (Ed Code section 48901.7, Board Policy 5131 (“Conduct”).) If a student violates a school cell phone policy—either having the phone or using it—the student is subject to discipline and the consequences laid out in MIT's cell phone policy.

MCKINLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, STOLEN OR BROKEN CELL PHONES AND WILL NOT PAY FOR PHONES THAT ARE LOST, STOLEN OR MISPLACED IF NOT TURNED IN.