Peñasco Independent School District is committed to providing a safe, positive and productive learning environment. The U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, announced on June 17, 2024 that he would push for a warning label on social media platforms advising parents that using the platforms might damage adolescents' mental health. Because the student use of electronic devices in our schools has increased, the frequency of classroom disruptions, reduced student focus (recent research confirms that the average student receives 144 notifications on their phones throughout the day), and more instances of threatening or inappropriate communications, student use of cell phones and other electronic devices is hereby prohibited.
The term .. electronic devices" refers to any and all devices which include but are not limited to the following: cell phones, internet/phone connected smart watches, iPods or other MP3 players. Airpods and other wireless/wired headphones not provided by the school, cameras or any other device that provides a wireless connection to the internet.
Unauthorized student use of electronic devices on campus during the school day will result in confiscation of the electronic devices and disciplinary action against the student. (In extraordinary circumstances, an administrator may waive this prohibition on a case-by-case basis. A meeting should be set up with site administration to determine if this is necessary.)
Confiscated electronic devices will be brought to the principal, with the following consequences: • First offense: The device will be returned only to a parent or legal guardian at the end of the day.
• Second offense: The student will be placed in in-school suspension for 1 day. The device will be returned only to a parent or legal guardian following completion of the suspension.
• Third and subsequent offenses: The student will be placed in In-School Suspension for 2 days. The device will be returned only to a parent or legal guardian following completion of the suspension. Peñasco Independent School District shall not be liable or responsible for the loss of or damage to any electronic device at school or at school sponsored activities.