Cell Phone Policy

In response to Chancellor’s regulation A-413, which governs the use of cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems on school property, Jamaica Children's Magnet  School has opted for a school-based policy for the use of such devices on school property. A-413 provides as follows:  Students are permitted to bring the following electronic items to school:  cell phones, laptops, tablets, iPads and other similar computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems.

 

Jamaica Children's Magnet School's policy will be as follows:

The use of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems, and other electronic devices is PROHIBITED IN SCHOOL unless a teacher requires their use during classroom instruction.  Students are allowed to bring these devices to school as long as they are turned off and out of sight. Please be advised that students are REQUIRED to bring their DOE-issued i-Pads EACH day. 

  1. Cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems, and other electronic devices may not be turned on, seen or used at any time in school: including the bathrooms, locker rooms, stairwells, during dismissal until students have exited the building, or during any fire drills or other emergency preparedness drills or actual emergencies.  If this rule is violated, items will be confiscated and returned to the Parent/Guardian ONLY.
  1. Cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems, and other electronic devices may not be turned on, seen or used during the administration of any school examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.  If this rule is violated, items will be confiscated and returned to the Parent/Guardian ONLY.
  1. The cell phone policy is in effect during lunch time and after-school programs as well.  If this rule is violated, items will be confiscated and returned to the Parent/Guardian ONLY.
  1. Students who use cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and/or any other electronic device in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, The School Cell Phone Policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413 and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.                                   
  2. Students should NOT use personal cell phones to contact their parents during the school day.  If the student is sick  they should go to the nurse's office where she  will contact a parent in the event that the student is to  be sent home; or the student may ask to use the telephone in the main office to contact a parent.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
  3. If a student chooses to bring cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and/or other electronic devices to school they do so at their own risk.  The school will not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items.

 

Confiscation and return of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and/or other electronic devices:  

If items are confiscated we will notify the parent or guardian by phone as soon as possible to make  an appointment to return  the confiscated item to the  parent or guardian ONLY.

 

Thank you for your cooperation in these matters.