Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones must be off and inside the students' bookbags from the moment they enter the building until 2:50 p.m.

The South Carolina Board of Education adopted a model policy prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during the school day on September 3, 2024. This new policy is effective, as of, January 1, 2025. 

State Requirement:

Proviso 1.103 in the General Appropriations Bill, H.5100 of 2024, reads as follows:
To receive state funds allocated for State Aid to Classrooms, a school district shall implement a policy adopted by the State Board of Education that prohibits access to personal electronic communication devices by students during the school day. For purposes of this provision, a personal electronic communication device is considered to be a device not authorized for classroom use by a student, utilized to access the Internet, wi-fi, or cellular telephone signals.

New Policy Implementation:

Starting in January, students will not be allowed to have cell phones powered on in the building during any part of the instructional day. This includes lunch time and class transitions. Cell phones must be powered off and placed in lockers, purses, backpacks, or other nonvisible secure locations.  Additionally, headphones and earbuds are also prohibited unless specifically authorized for instructional purposes.

Enforcement:

If a student is caught using a cell phone or other prohibited device during the day:

1. The device will be confiscated and held in the office, where it can be picked up at the end of the school day.
2. Multiple offenses will result in disciplinary actions, including ISS and OSS.

Parent and Guardian Support:

We are asking for your support with this policy. If you need to contact your student during the day, please call the school office, and we will relay your message.