Back to School Information: Policy 4318 Student Use of Electronic Devices

Good evening, Cabarrus County Schools families:

Following a thorough review and recommendation by Cabarrus County Schools policy staff, administrators, teachers, parents, and students, the Board of Education recently updated  Policy 4318 Student Use of Electronic Devices. Policy 4318 is attached to this post.

We recognize that this change may be a challenging transition, but we are optimistic that it will result in significant improvements in school culture, academic engagement, and peer-to-peer relationships. Principals will continue to offer detailed guidelines and support to help everyone adjust to these expectations. With your support of this policy, we are committed to ensuring your child has the successful educational experience they deserve.

Cabarrus County Schools recognizes that electronic devices have become important tools for communication and instruction. Therefore, students are permitted wireless devices on school property as long as such devices are not activated, used, displayed, or visible during the instructional day or as otherwise directed by local school rules or school personnel. For the purpose of Policy 4318, electronic devices include but are not limited to, cellular phones, electronic readers, electronic watches, laptops, iPads, and similar cellular/wifi/bluetooth-enabled devices of any type not owned by Cabarrus County Schools.

The use of cellular phones or electronic/media devices by students during instructional time is disruptive to the educational environment, not conducive to productive learning experiences, and often the source of disciplinary intervention. Therefore, any use of an electronic device during instructional time is prohibited. Students are required to power off and securely store their cell phones away from their person.

Cabarrus County Schools has provided computers for every student to use individually. Students are expected to use the CCS-provided device for all educational activities. Accordingly, there should be very limited circumstances in which a student may use a privately owned electronic device at school. Administrators may authorize students to use personal electronic devices for communicating during a crisis.

Cabarrus County Schools has established clear guidelines regarding students’ use of electronic devices while on school campuses.

• Elementary School: Students are not allowed to utilize electronic devices from arrival on campus through departure from campus. Students are required to power off and securely store their cell phones away from their person throughout the school day.
• Middle School: Students are not allowed to utilize electronic devices from arrival on campus through afternoon dismissal. Students are required to power off and securely store their cell phones away from their person throughout the school day. Students engaged in after-school activities will have access to their electronic devices for communicating with parents/guardians.
• High School: Students are not allowed to utilize electronic devices during instructional time. Students may use electronic devices during non-instructional times which may include arrival/dismissal, breakfast/lunch, and class change. During instructional time, students are required to power off and securely store their electronic devices away from their person.