A301 WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE POLICY

Generally, no student may use a wireless communication device during the school day, pursuant to Indiana law. Further, if students bring a wireless communication device to school, it must be stored away, powered off, and inaccessible throughout the school day. 

“Wireless communication device” means any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties, including a cellular telephone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or gaming device, or smart watch that is connected to a cellular telephone, a cell tower, or the Internet.

“School day” means the entirety of the time a student is present on school property for a student instructional day. “School sanctioned wireless communication device” means a wireless communication device  that is: 

1. owned by a student or a third party vendor; 
2. approved by the Corporation for instructional use; 
3. required or permitted by the Corporation for participation in classroom instruction; 
4. subject to Corporation managed network controls, filtering, or monitoring that restrict access to noninstructional content during the school day; and
5. not a cellular telephone, gaming device, or smartwatch. 

A student is permitted to use a school sanctioned wireless communication device only when directed by a teacher for educational purposes during the school day. Notwithstanding the above, a student may use a wireless communication device under the following circumstances: 

1. 1) In the event of an emergency. An emergency for this purpose includes the use of a wireless communication device during the school day to make an otherwise lawful alert or call for assistance in response to a condition or situation causing an immediate risk to health, life, or property. It does not include the use of a wireless communication device in an unlawful act, nor does it include the use of a wireless communication device in a manner that impairs, obstructs, or disrupts emergency response or assistance by the Corporation, health professionals, government officials or other authorized persons.
2. 2)  As necessary for the management of a documented medical condition pursuant to an order provided by a licensed health care provider. 3) As permitted by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
3. 4) As necessary for language translation to ensure access for multi-lingual learners, prioritizing school-managed wireless communication devices or applications where available. 

Violation of this policy may result in forfeiture of technological privileges and other discipline as provided in the Student Code of Conduct.  

Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of wireless communication devices brought onto Corporation property. The Corporation assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, damage to, misuse, or unauthorized use of a wireless communication device brought onto its property. 

This Policy should be followed in tandem with Policy A300 Responsible Use of Technology and Internet Use Policy. 

I.C. 20-26-5-40.7

Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation

Adopted: 7/23/24
Revised: 6/8/26