USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
It is the policy of the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District that students may not use personal electronic devices during classroom instructional time.
Definitions
For purposes of this policy, a “personal electronic device” is a device that is used by a student to send or receive information or create or review content, including cellular and mobile phones, watches or other wearable devices in a receive or transmit mode, laptop or notebook computers, tablets, video game devices, portable media players, and any applications or programs installed by the student on a school-owned or issued device. A “personal electronic device” does not include a device possessed by the student for documented legal, health, and safety purposes and used solely for those purposes.
The “school day” is defined by the bell schedule for each day at each attendance center.
“Instructional time” is any time during which a student is under the guidance and supervision of licensed instructional staff or instructional assistants, including independent study time during the school day.
General Rules
The following are the district-provided educational technologies and devices that will be made available to students for instructional purposes:
- Chromebooks grade 3-12
- iPad grades PK-2
A student’s personal electronic device may be used for instructional purposes under the following conditions: a member of the school’s instructional staff permits use of personal electronic devices for a specific instructional purpose or activity or a course policy, syllabus, or handbook indicates that personal electronic devices are permitted in the course for a specific purpose or purposes.
A parent or guardian, after verification by school officials, may communicate with a student through the school office. If there is an emergency requiring the student’s immediate attention, a parent or guardian may contact the school office. In the event of an emergency, the school will contact the parent or guardian by the method most recently listed by the parent in the school’s student information system immediately when it becomes safe to do so. In the event of an emergency involving the broader school community, the school will contact parents and guardians by normal mass communication methods.
Violations of Policy
Offenses in a school year of using a personal electronic device in violation of this policy are outlined:
- 1st Offense – Device is sent to the office. The student picks up the device after the second consecutive school day.
- 2nd Offense – Device is sent to the office. The student picks up device after the fifth consecutive school day.
- 3rd Offense – Device is sent to the office. The student picks up the device after the tenth consecutive school day.
If the student uses a personal electronic device during the administration of any assessment, the student will receive a failing score, other discipline based upon the severity of the situation, and will also face the consequences identified in the prior paragraph. If the student uses a personal electronic device in a state or federal mandated assessment, the school will follow any protocols for that assessment’s security.
Student-Specific Exceptions to Policy
Petition by Parent or Guardian. A parent or guardian of a student may petition to allow their child to maintain access to a personal electronic device for a legitimate reason related to the student’s physical or mental health, based on the unique facts of the student’s case. The petition shall be addressed to the building principal. If not granted, a parent or guardian may appeal to the superintendent or designee, whose decision shall be final. A parent or guardian has the burden of providing a legitimate reason for allowing the child to maintain access of a personal electronic device contrary to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont’s policy.
Student Plans. A student who has a current Individualized Education Plan, a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, or health plan may maintain access to a personal device during an appropriate portion of the school day as documented in the plan. The device should be used solely in the manner necessary and documented.
REVIEWED: 07/21/2025 – APPROVED: 08/18/2025
