The Off and Off Cell Phone and Telecommunications Device Policy is established to reduce distractions for students during the school day. 

Sherman ISD recognizes cell phones/electronic devices as part of the fabric of 21st century society and believes in the importance of integrating technology into instruction. Cell phone/electronic devices have become a way of life, a technological convenience that has impacted all of our lives in many ways. However, in the school environment, personal cell phones/electronic devices can be a distraction and interruption during the learning process. The ringing of the cell phone during class or text-messaging takes away from the valuable time needed for instruction and, most importantly, student learning.

We do recognize that cell phones/electronic devices can be a safety/security tool; however, they can be a detriment in the event of a building emergency and our protocol to manage such emergencies in a safe and effective manner. Parents and guardians are asked to call the school’s phone number to relay any messages that may be urgent in reference to their child.

The district permits students to possess personal cell phones and telecommunications devices for safety purposes; however, all telecommunications devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, off their person, and stowed away in a backpack or purse, including during all testing, unless they are being used for approved purposes.

A student must have approval to possess other personal telecommunications devices on campus such as laptops, tablets, or other portable computers. Without such permission, teachers will collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pick up the items.

The use of cell phones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event.

If a student uses a telecommunications device without authorization during the school day, the following consequences may be implemented:

• 1st offense: Warning and teacher keeps the device until the end of class
• 2nd offense: Cell phone/electronic device will be taken up by the teacher and turned into the main office. The student may pick up the device at the end of the school day. Parent contacted by teacher.
• 3rd offense: Cell phone/electronic device taken up by teacher and turned into the main office. Parent contact by teacher or campus principal. The parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from the front office.
• 4th offense: Cell phone/electronic device taken up by teacher and turned into the main office. Parent contact by teacher or campus principal. The parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from front office for a fee of $15. Campus principal discretion for appropriate discipline actions.

At any time, the Administrators reserve the right to deny cell phone/electronic devices usage or possession during the school day.

Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or the student’s parent will be disposed of after the notice required by law. 

In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal telecommunications device may be searched by authorized personnel.

Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.

Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices

Students must obtain prior approval to use personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional purposes while on campus.

All personal devices must be turned off during the instructional day, and stowed away off their person, when not in use for approved purposes.  Violations of the user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

Secondary students (6th-12th grades) may use their cell phones/electronic devices and earbuds in the school cafeteria, unless otherwise instructed not to do so by campus staff.

*See "Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices" on Pages 51-52 in the Student Handbook.