Cell Phone Information
In May 2024, the South Carolina Legislature passed Proviso 1.103, Anti-Bullying/School Safety. As a part of this proviso, all school districts in South Carolina are required to adopt a policy by January 1, 2025, prohibiting students from using cell phones on school campuses during the school day.
Until School District Five adopts this new policy, we will operate on our current policy, Board Policy JICJ (Cell Phones/Communication Devices). This policy has the following requirements:
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Elementary School: Students may possess personal devices in school, on school property, during after-school activities, and at school-related functions. However, students may not use personal devices, including cell phones, while on school property during school hours.
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Middle School: Students may possess personal devices in school, on school property, during after-school activities, and at school-related functions. However, students may not use personal devices, including cell phones, while on school property during school hours unless it is deemed appropriate by the teacher and approved by the principal for educational and/or instructional purposes only. (The start and end of school will be denoted by the start and end bell.)
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High School: Students may use personal devices, including cell phones, before and after school, during their lunch break, within "free zones" (as determined by the principal), and as deemed appropriate by the teacher and approved by the principal for educational and/or instructional purposes only.
Resources are available for your family as we seek to move away from using personal devices at school. You may visit the following sites for more information:
Families may also refer to the School District Five Code of Conduct for more information.