The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive and productive learning and working environment.  The use of Electronic Devices on school campuses has increased classroom disruptions and resulted in an increase of threatening and inappropriate communications.  The term “Electronic Devices” shall mean any and all devices which accomplish their purposes electronically and include, without limitation, cell phones, pagers, electronic emailing devices (e.g., Blackberry), radios, tape players, CD players, DVD players, video cameras, iPods or other MP3 players, laser pointers, portable video game players, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDA's), cameras, and any device that provides a wireless, unfiltered connection to the Internet.

Consequently, the use of any and all Electronic Devices by students during the school day, whether on-campus or during a school-sponsored event, is strictly prohibited.  The “school day” shall mean the normal hours of operation of the school.  While students are not prohibited from possessing Electronic Devices, unless otherwise prohibited by law or District policies, rules or procedures, the Electronic Devices must be turned “off” and stored in a student’s backpack or purse, locker, or vehicle.  This Policy does not apply to the sanctioned use of Electronic Devices by teachers, or students under the direct supervision of their teacher, for educational purposes.

Use of Electronic Devices in violation of this policy shall result in the confiscation of the Electronic Device.  After the first offense, the student may recover the Electronic Device from the school’s administrative office at the end of the school day.  After the second offense, the student’s parent/guardian shall be notified that the student has twice violated this policy and that the parent/guardian must recover the Electronic Device from the school’s administrative office.  After the third offense, the Electronic Device will be confiscated for the remainder of the school year.  Electronic Devices that are not recovered at the end of the school year may be disposed of by the District.  A student who violates this policy more than two (2) times during the school year also may be subject to discipline under District Policy 336 for engaging in willfully disruptive conduct.

The District shall not be liable or responsible for the loss of or damage to any Electronic Device confiscated from a student pursuant to this policy.

This policy does not prohibit the use of Electronic Devices on school buses or extracurricular activity buses unless otherwise restricted by District staff responsible for the activity.

Rio Rancho Public Schools
Adopted:  January 14, 2008