JICJ, Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Technology Devices

Purpose and Scope

The Board of Education recognizes the importance of innovative technologies that, when properly used, can be effective learning tools. However, improper or excessive use of such Personal Technology Devices (PTDs) can detract from our goal of a distraction-free educational environment.

The Board of Education believes that the use of personal technology devices (PTDs) must be regulated to ensure it does not disrupt the educational process or school operations. Students may only use PTDs on district property, vehicles, or at school-sponsored activities in accordance with this policy.

For purposes of this policy, "personal technology device" are defined as any privately-owned portable device, including but not limited to cell phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, smartwatches, audio/video recorders, smart glasses, any other hand-held electronic communication devices, and any other device or emerging technology not currently contemplated.

General Prohibition

Once a student has entered the school building for the school day, use of Personal Technology Devices (PTDs), including cell phones, is prohibited except as outlined below. Students are expected to have PTDs stored and inaccessible during the school day unless expressly permitted.

Arrival and Dismissal Transition Windows

The District recognizes that students may have a legitimate need to use PTDs during the brief transition periods immediately before entering the school building and immediately following dismissal from the school building. Use of PTDs during these transition windows is permitted only for the purpose of coordinating transportation or communicating with a parent/guardian regarding arrival or pickup. Once a student enters the school building, this transition window closes and the general prohibition applies.

Expectations for Use

To ensure clarity for staff, students and families, the following permissions and prohibitions on student use of PTDs apply:

Unstructured Times/Non-Instructional Time:
1. Elementary Students - Use of PTDs, including cell phones, by elementary students is not permitted during any unstructured time within the school building or on school grounds during the school day (including before school, passing periods, lunch, and after school), except:
  1. As specifically authorized by school administration;
  2. As required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or documented medical need; or
  3. During the designated arrival/dismissal transition window described above, and only while the student remains outside the school building.
2. Middle School Students - Use of PTDs, including cell phones, by middle school students is not permitted during any unstructured time within the school building or on school grounds during the school day (including before school, passing periods, lunch, and after school), except:
  1. As specifically authorized by school administration;
  2. As required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or documented medical need; or
  3. During the designated arrival/dismissal transition window described above, and only while the student remains outside the school building.
3. High School Students - High school students may be permitted to use PTDs during unstructured times in accordance with this policy, and as specifically authorized by school administration or as required by an individual education plan (IEP), Section 504 plan, or documented medical need. Use of PTDs by high school students is considered a privilege, not a right. This privilege may be limited, suspended, or revoked if use interferes with the educational environment or violates district policy.
  1. Before & After School: Students are permitted to use their PTDs before and after the official school day, provided they are used in accordance with individual school guidelines and district code of conduct.
    1. Each school will provide clear guidelines regarding the use of PTDs before and after each school day.
  2. Passing Periods & Hallways: PTDs must remain out of sight, silenced, and unused while students are moving through hallways and during passing periods.
  3. Lunch Period: Students are permitted to use their PTDs while in the cafeteria or designated common eating areas, provided they are used in accordance with individual school guidelines and district code of conduct.
    1. Each high school will provide clear guidelines regarding the use of PTDs during the lunch period.
  4. After-School Activities: * Spectators attending after-school activities, competitions, or performances may use PTDs as appropriate for the setting.
    1. Specific events may require PTDs to be silenced or put away entirely to prevent distractions or disruptions to the performers or competitors.
Instructional Time: The following Personal Technological Device (PTD) rules apply to all students (PK–12) during instructional time and within learning spaces:
1. PTDs must remain turned off or in silent mode and stored out of sight. Students are responsible for ensuring that their PTDs do not disrupt instruction or school operations.
2. During instructional time, and within instructional spaces, PTDs may only be used for specific instructional activities explicitly authorized by the classroom teacher.
3. Use of PTDs for any non-instructional purpose is prohibited during class time.
Privacy Prohibitions: The use of PTDs with camera or recording capabilities is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, or any location where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
General Conduct: Students may not use PTDs to engage in, promote, or facilitate conduct that violates the student code of conduct, Board policies, student privacy, student confidentiality, or state or federal laws.
Exceptions: Students may possess and use PTDs during classroom or instructional time or during times when PTDs are otherwise prohibited (a) when specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 accommodation plan, or a health care plan in force and effect regarding the student or (b) in emergency situations, in accordance with specific school procedures and under the direction of the principal and/or staff member. As used in this policy, an “emergency situation” is defined as a situation that threatens loss of life, personal injury and/or damage to the personal property of the affected student.
Administrative Discretion: Building administration reserves the right to restrict an individual student’s PTD privileges if the student exhibits a pattern of behavior that warrants a behavior intervention or behavioral plan.

Violations and Discipline

Unauthorized or inappropriate use of a PTD will be handled through the progressive discipline process which may include confiscation, device pickup by the student’s guardian due to repeated or continued violations.

Confiscation: Confiscated personal technology devices (PTDs) will be returned as soon as reasonably possible, typically by the end of the school day, unless the nature of the violation requires additional administrative review.
1. The District recognizes that many families rely on student devices for communication and safety outside of school hours. As such, extended confiscation of a device will be avoided when possible.
Repeated or More Serious Violations: will result in progressive disciplinary actions, which may include loss of on-campus device privileges, parent/guardian conferences, behavioral interventions, or other consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. These consequences may be applied in lieu of, or in addition to, temporary confiscation during the school day.
1. In cases involving significant or repeated violations, a confiscated PTD shall be released only to a parent or guardian during normal school business hours, and may require a conference with school administration to establish expectations for future compliance.
2. At no time will a student’s access to necessary communication outside of school hours be unreasonably restricted as a sole means of discipline.
Progressive Discipline: Continued or repeated violations of this policy will result in further disciplinary consequences in alignment with the District’s Student Code of Conduct.
Law Enforcement: If the building principal or designee believes a student’s use of a PTD involves a violation of the law, the matter may be referred to law enforcement.

Loss or Damage

The district shall not be responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of PTDs brought onto district property or to school-sponsored events. Students bring these devices to school at their own risk.

Adopted June 17, 2026

Legal References

C.R.S. 18-7-109 (posting, possession or exchange of a private image by a juvenile)

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