This regulation shall not apply to any school official, teacher, security officer, support employee, law enforcement officer, or any other person who may use or possess such devices in the performance of his duties in a legal volunteer activity, trade or business, or for medical necessity.

Generally

Portable communication or other electronic and mechanical devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, iPods, iPads, Chromebooks, laptop computers, tablets, netbooks, MP3 players, Personal Digital Assistants, computer games, electronic games, portable radios, laser pointers, and other portable electronic devices or the representation thereof. Students may possess a portable communication or other electronic and mechanical devices under the following conditions:

1. Students may only access the Internet through the Frederick County Public Schools’ secure wireless network unless access to the network is not available and permission is granted by a school staff member to access the Internet via another means.
   
   
2. No student shall establish a wireless ad-hoc or peer-to-peer network using their device while on school property, under school control or attending any school function or activity.
   
   
3. Students may not use the device for unlawful or other prohibited purposes while on school property, under school control or attending any school function or activity. Any violation shall result in appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action as specified in School Board policy/regulation as well as by local, state and federal law. The illegal use of such devices may result in referral to law enforcement authorities.
   
   
4. Students may not contact parents or others to come to school and pick them up during the school day unless approved by a school administrator.
   
   
5. The School Board and/or school is not responsible for any such lost, stolen, or damaged devices or any financial obligations resulting from the use of such devices. The School Board and/or school do not assume any liability for the inappropriate use of such items.
   
   
6. Students found in violation of the School Board’s policy/regulation regarding portable communication and other devices shall be disciplined in accordance with Regulation 402R-A, Students- Code of Student Conduct.
   
   
7. Students should have no expectation of privacy in their use of portable communication or other electronic and mechanical devices while on school property, under school control or attending any school function or activity.

Use During Instructional Time

The use of portable communication and other electronic and mechanical devices is prohibited during instructional time unless a school staff member directs students to use a particular device for a specific educational task. Unless otherwise directed by school staff, all devices shall be concealed and muted during instructional time. 

Use During Non-Instructional Time

Students may use portable communication and other electronic and mechanical devices during non-instructional times (lunch, between classes, before and after school including extracurricular activities, and on buses) provided they do not create a disruption or interfere with any school activity. The use of portable communication and other electronic and mechanical devices is a privilege, and students may be denied access at any time at the discretion of the building administrator. 

Liability

The School Board and/or school is not responsible for any such lost, stolen, or damaged devices or any financial obligations resulting from the use of such devices. The School Board and/or school do not assume any liability for the inappropriate use of such items. 

Legal Reference(s):
Code of Virginia, Section(s) 22.1-279.6.B