Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices:

It is now common for students to carry cell phones, iPods and other electronic devices to school. We recognize for some families a phone is important for communication between parents/caregivers before and after school. Cell phones can be a source of disruption in the classroom, especially when used for texting, a safety concern on the playground and a cause for social difficulties, especially amongst older children.This means cell phones can only be used outside of our building and outside of school hours.

While students can carry cell phones to school, we ask that parents support our efforts for appropriate use by adhering to the following guidelines:

• Unless teachers have specified the use of personal digital devices for use in the classroom (e.g. for research purposes), students may not use cell phones in classrooms, hallways or on the playground during the school day.
• Cell phones at school must be turned off and kept in a zipped backpack, or a safe place permitted by staff, between 8:50AM and 3:00PM.
• The school office phone is available during the day if it is necessary for parents to call in or students to call out. Students need a phone slip from a staff member.
• Cell phones are often equipped with cameras. Students may not take pictures at school. In order to satisfy legal requirements around the protection of privacy, photography at school is allowed only for school purposes and with the permission of a staff member. Permitted photos can only be used with parental consent.