Procedures for Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices**

Cell phones and other electronic communication devices are prohibited at school.  The possession of a cell phone or other telecommunication device, including but not limited to laptop/notebook computers, MP3 players, cameras, etc., is considered a Class II Offense (2.19).  However, this policy does permit cell phones and other electronic devices to be left in a vehicle, provided they remain in the vehicle at all times while on school property.  It is the position of the administration and the Board of Education that  cell phones and other electronic devices permitted during the instructional day are disruptive and create learner distraction.  Cell phones and devices with photographic capabilities may also pose a threat to freedom of privacy, exploit personal information through use, and are a source of cheating.  Possession of a cell phone or other electronic device during any standardized test (i.e., graduation exam, ACT, SAT/ARMT, ADAW) may result in the test being invalidated and legal action being taken by the testing company. 

Administrative responses for students who violate 2.19 of the STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT will be as follows:

1^st Offense-phone confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian the following day.*

2^nd Offense-phone confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian after five school days.*  The student will be assigned in-school-intervention or detention.

3^rd Offense-phone confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian after ten school days.*  The student will be suspended out of school for one day.

*If any alleged criminal violations have occurred using the cell phone or other electronic device, the device will be turned over to the juvenile authorities as evidence.  Devices confiscated during administration of any standardized test may be picked up by the parent/guardian from the Director of Guidance and Testing Services at the Central Office of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education after all test materials have been packaged and returned to the State Department of Education if the device is found to have no evidence of cheating or copyright violations.  The Tuscaloosa County Schools shall not assume responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of a prohibited electronic device; in addition, the Tuscaloosa County Schools shall not assume responsibility for unauthorized calls, photographs, or audio/video recordings made on a cell phone or other electronic device.