Cell Phone and Technology Guidelines:

• Students must follow all directions given by school personnel in regard to using personal devices. 
• SCCPSS School staff members may control, limit or deny a student's use of personal electronic devices unless otherwise directed by a supervisor or applicable IEP/504 plan.
• Students are encouraged to leave all electronic devices not issued by the school at home. 
• If a parent(s)/guardian(s) chooses to allow their student(s) to bring their cellphones to school, they will be collected by the Homeroom Teacher and locked in a secure area for the school day. All other bluetooth devices are prohibited,this includes smart watches, headphones and/or earbuds with bluetooth capability.  
• Students will not be allowed to use personal devices at school.
• Bluetooth devices are not allowed at school.
• George A. Mercer Middle School shall not assume responsibility or liability for the theft, loss, or damage to personal devices, nor does it assume responsibility for the unauthorized use of any device.
• Employees who collect or store student devices for purposes of classroom management or other legitimate reasons shall practice care and diligence when they are in effective possession of student personal devices.
• While on SCCPSS school property, students are not permitted to use their own personal Wi-Fi, data plans or other types of Internet access provided by Internet service providers/carriers that are not provided by the District. All District provided Internet access is filtered and recorded.
• No student shall photograph, record, or reproduce, via any audio or video means, another student or staff member on District property without prior permission of a teacher or administrator. Students are also prohibited from disrupting instruction with ringtones, music, or sound effects.
• School staff may confiscate and hold personal electronic devices, pending a parent conference, and school administrators may search the device (As prescribed in Board Policy JCAB and Board Regulation JCAB-R).
• Students who do not comply with this regulation, or any supporting directives related to the use of personal electronic devices will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Actions may include, but are not limited to:
  • First Offense – First Offense – Personal electronic devices will be taken up and returned to the student at the end of the day. A student conference may be held on the proper use of electronic devices within the school environment.
  • Second Offense – Personal electronic devices will be taken up and the parent/guardian called to retrieve the device. A parent conference may be held on the proper use of electronic devices within the school environment.
  • Third Offense – Loss of privilege within the classroom and/or school for 30 days. A behavior contract is signed by parent and student on the proper use of electronic devices may be required before the privilege is reinstated.