3245 Students and Telecommunication Devices

Issaquah School District provides students with the technology they need during the school day to access digital and online learning experiences. However, students may use personal electronic devices (PEDs), such as cell phones, tablets, smart devices, blue tooth headphones and other mobile devices while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities subject to procedures established by the superintendent.

Use of personal electronic devices while on district property is considered a privilege and not a right and may be revoked at any time by a principal, assistant principal, or principal’s designee. All authorized use at school shall be in compliance with district regulation, school rules and applicable laws. Students will observe the following conditions:

1. Telecommunication devices will be turned on and operated only during non-instructional time as set forth in school behavioral expectations, unless an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger or when a school administrator authorizes the student to use the device;
2. Students will not use telecommunication devices in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment or violates the privacy rights of others, including audio or video recording of others without their permission;
3. Students will not send, share, view or possess pictures, text messages, emails or other material depicting sexually explicit conduct, as defined in RCW 9.68A.011, in electronic or any other form on any electronic device, while the student is on school grounds, at school-sponsored events or on school busses or other vehicles provided by the district;
4. By bringing a cell phone or other personal electronic device to school or school-sponsored events, the student and their guardian consent to the search of the device when school officials have a reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that such a search will reveal a violation of the law or school rules.  The scope of the search will be limited to the violation of which the student is accused.  Content or images that violate state or federal laws will be referred to law enforcement;
5. Students are responsible for personal devices they bring to school.  The district will not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of personal devices brought onto school property or to school-sponsored events; and
6. Students will comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning the appropriate use of telecommunication or other personal electronic devices.
   1. At a minimum, elementary schools will expect cell phone and smart watches to be off and away during the school day and on school busses unless authorized by school personnel.  No mechanical or electronic device shall be used to audio or video record any classroom instruction or activity on district premises immediately before, immediately after, or during the school day, or on district provided transportation without the express permission of the classroom teacher and administrative staff at the school.
   2. At a minimum, middle schools will expect cell phone and other personal or “smart” devices, including headphones and air pods, to be silenced and stowed in backpacks or placed in teacher-designated locations at the beginning of each class period and remain stowed until the end of the class period.  This policy extends to hallways and common areas while class is in session.
   3. At a minimum, high schools will expect cell phones and other personal electronic or “smart” devices, including headphones and air pods, to be silenced and stowed in backpacks or placed in a teacher-designated locations at the beginning of each class period and remain stowed until the end of the class period.  This policy extends to hallways and common areas while class is in session. Students will be allowed to access their phones and other personal electronic devices during non-instructional times, which include before and after school, during passing periods, and at their designated lunch time.
   4. Exceptions: Students having an Individual Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan or Individual Health Care Plan (IHP) that includes specific accommodations for assistive technology may use a cell phone and/or PED during the school day following the process outlined in the student’s IEP, 504 Plan or IHP.
7. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.