All TUSD students are prohibited from using cellular phones, smartwatches and other mobile communication devices school-wide during the instructional school day. However, during lunch, middle school and 7th-12th grade students may use their devices.
All students TK-12th grade may use such devices in the classroom with prior authorization from the classroom teacher when being used for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose. With the exception of middle school and 7th-12th grade student usage at lunch, all such devices must be turned off prior to the first bell and stored away from view of the student and others during the instructional school day while on campus until the final bell, except when deemed medically necessary.
Cellular phones, smartwatches and other mobile communication devices shall be turned off and stored away from view at all times inside restrooms, locker-rooms and other venues deemed inappropriate by site administration. Usage of such devices in identified inappropriate locations shall result in a suspension of privileges for a duration determined by site administration.
(Other mobile communication devices include, but are not limited to, digital media players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), compact disc players, portable game consoles, cameras, digital scanners, and laptop computers.)
If a student uses a cellular phone, smartwatch or any other mobile communication device without authorization from the classroom teacher for instructional or other school-related purposes (with the exception of lunch for middle school and 7th – 12th grade students and/or a medical necessity), a school employee may direct the student to turn off the device and/or may confiscate it. If the school employee finds it necessary to confiscate the device, he/she may return it at the end of the class period or school day, or per established school rules published in the student handbook.
No student shall use a cellular phone, smart watch, or any other mobile communication device with a video, electronic listening, voice recording function or camera in any classroom of the elementary and secondary schools without the prior consent of the teacher and the principal of the school and/or which infringes on the privacy rights of other students or individuals. Any student violating this section shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action and any person, other than a student, who willfully violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Education Code 51512)
Students are responsible for their personal electronic devices. The District shall not be responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of any device brought on to school property.
When a student uses any prohibited device, or uses a permitted device in any unethical or illegal activity, a district employee may confiscate the device. The employee shall store the item in a secure manner until an appropriate time.
No student shall be prohibited from possessing or using a cellular phone, smart watch, or any other mobile communication device that is determined by a licensed physician or surgeon to be essential for the student's health and the use of which is limited to purposes related to the student's health. (Education Code 48901.5)
