Cell Phones
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District’s (“C-FB ISD” or “District”) Acceptable Use for Technology Resources Policy is to prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful or improper activities by users online, prevent unauthorized disclosure or access to sensitive or confidential information, ensure appropriate use of technology resources, and to comply with the Child’s Internet Protection Act. As used in this policy, “user” includes anyone using personal electronic devices (as permitted by District policy and handbooks) and the District’s technology resources, including computers, Internet, e-mail, chat rooms, wireless network, and other forms of direct electronic communications or equipment provided by the District.
On page 47 of the Student Code of Conduct and Parent/Student Handbook under Electronic Devices and Technology Resources, Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile Telephones, it states; “for safety purposes, the district permits students to possess personal mobile telephones; however, these devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing, unless they are being used for approved instructional purposes. A student uses a telecommunications device without authorization during the school day, the device will be confiscated. The student/parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from Student Services for a fee of $15.”
Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be used in the building or on the school grounds during the school day, with the exception of the school cafeteria. Students may use their phones in the cafeteria before school and during lunch only. The school day is from 8:20 a.m.-3:35 p.m. Use, display, or evidence of possession of a paging or cellular device in the school building between the hours of 8:20am and 3:35pm will result in confiscation of the device. These items may be retrieved from the attendance clerk for a $15 fee. (Cash Only) CHANGE: You will be unable to retrieve your telecommunications device after 3:45 and can be retrieved the following morning.
Teachers should exercise good judgment in using personal cell phones at school. We model the behavior we expect from our students.
- Do not use your personal cell phone calls during class, including stepping into the hallway to take a personal call.
Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be used in the building or on the school grounds during the school day, with the exception of the school cafeteria. Student may use their phones in the cafeteria before school and during lunch only. The school day is from 8:20am-3:35pm. Use, display, or evidence of possession of a paging or cellular device in the school building between the hours of 8:20am and 3:35pm will result in confiscation of the device. These items may be retrieved for a $15 fee. (Cash Only)
This policy is in accordance with Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District’s Acceptable Use for Technology Resources agreement, Newman Smith High School, page
Note from the Principal: Through social-emotional learning, we understand the need adolescents have to be supported in executive functions, or, decision making skills. Personal technology can be a significant distraction even for mature adults. Since cell phones are allowed only during lunch and are considered a privilege, we may arrive at the decision to suspend the lunch privilege option. Reasons for doing so are related to below examples, though this is not an exhaustive list:
- Excessive tardies or absences
- Disruptive classroom conduct or impeding the learning of others
- Removal from class by a teacher or substitute
- Frequent use of public profanity at school
- Failure to comply with school expectations and rules
We understand that digital communication is frequent between parents and children, but our front office staff is well versed in handling emergency calls that you may need to make to your child during the school day. If your child has their cafeteria access privilege suspended, the phone can simply be checked into my office for safe and secure keeping from the time he/she arrives at school in the morning until the afternoon dismissal bell.
It’s my sincere hope and goal that your child could earn back his/her cafeteria access privilege if that circumstance arose and greatly improve his/her academic progress and/or conduct patterns. Please contact me if you have questions or concerns. I want to partner with you for the utmost benefit of your child.
District Issued Technology
Students at Newman Smith are issued a Chromebook as part of the district 1:1 initiative. Students and parents will receive and must return a signed Student/Parent 1:1 Use Agreement before checking out their district issued Chromebook.
It is the student’s responsibility to care appropriately for their device as well as report any issues through the student SOS system. It is imperative that students charge their Chromebook at home each night as there are limited places to charge their device at school. We value digital learning at Smith, therefore, students are expected to be in class with their charged Chromebook every day, every class period.
Because we are providing a district issued device to each student, we cannot support students bringing their own device. District issued devices are configured to connect correctly to our network with the appropriate filters. Additionally, student Google accounts are monitored for inappropriate material.