Purpose Wa He Lut Indian School is committed to maintaining a safe, focused, and healthy learning environment. Personal cell phones and other non-school-issued electronic devices can interfere with instruction, disrupt social development, contribute to bullying or conflict, and expose students to inappropriate or harmful content. This agreement is intended to support student learning, safety, and positive peer interaction during the school day. Scope This agreement applies to all students enrolled at Wa He Lut Indian School who possess or use personal telecommunication or electronic devices while: - on school property - in school buildings - on school transportation - at school-sponsored or school-related activities Definition of Devices For purposes of this agreement, "devices" include personal cell phones, smart phones, smart watches used for communication, tablets, speaker devices, earbuds, headphones, and other personal electronic devices that are not school property. General Rule Students may bring personal devices to school only with parent or guardian permission. During the school day, devices must be turned off or silenced and kept out of sight unless a staff member gives specific permission or an exception in this agreement applies. When Devices May Not Be Used Student devices are not allowed during: - classroom instruction - assemblies - PE/Health - traditional circle - recess - lunch - any other time or setting designated by school staff as a no-device period Recess and lunch are important times for students to play, move, build relationships, and engage with others face-to-face. Devices must remain off and put away during those times. Exceptions The following exceptions apply: 1. Bus transportation: Students may use devices on the bus to and from school only if headphones or earbuds are used or the volume is off. 2. Middle school passing periods: Middle school students may use phones during passing periods only. 3. Instructional permission: A teacher or administrator may authorize device use for a specific educational or school-related purpose. Prohibited Uses Students may not use devices in ways that disrupt school, violate school rules, or harm others. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to: - texting, calling, recording, or using apps during prohibited times - using devices to bully, harass, intimidate, or create conflict - accessing or sharing inappropriate content - using devices in violation of school rules, state law, or federal law - sending, sharing, viewing, or possessing unlawful electronic material - using devices in ways that threaten the safety or well-being of students or staff Staff Response to Misuse If a student uses a device when it is not allowed, staff will direct the student to turn it off and secure it in a backpack, pocket, or other designated location. If the student refuses, staff may refer the matter to administration. School administrators or their designees may confiscate and secure a device when a student fails to comply with staff directions or when there is reason to believe the device has been used in violation of school rules or law. Parents or guardians will be contacted when appropriate. Investigation, Search, and Reasonable Suspicion If a school administrator or designee has reasonable suspicion, based on specific facts, that a student has used a device in violation of school rules or the law, the device may be confiscated and held for safekeeping while the matter is investigated. Any search of a student device by school administration will be limited to the specific suspected violation and conducted in accordance with applicable law and school procedures. Parents or guardians will be contacted and informed of the situation. Material that may violate the law may be referred to law enforcement. Discipline Violations of this agreement may result in administrative or disciplinary action consistent with school procedures. Consequences may vary depending on the nature, severity, and frequency of the violation, including refusal to comply with staff direction. Responsibility for Personal Property Students are responsible for their own personal devices. Wa He Lut Indian School is not responsible for devices that are lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed. However, school administrators or designees may investigate reports of theft or damage and will make reasonable efforts to address the situation. Additional Rules School administrators may establish additional procedures or building-level rules related to the possession and use of personal electronic devices, as needed, to support safety and learning.