443.5

STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL WIRELESS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES

The Appleton Area School District recognizes the role schools play in educating students to use technology responsibly. The District also acknowledges students’ right to learn and participate in school activities free from distractions and disruptions.

Definition

For purposes of this policy, “Personal Electronic Communication Devices” (PECDs) means any portable wireless device capable of voice, messaging, or data communication, including but not limited to:

• Cellular telephones
• Tablet computers
• Laptop computers
• Gaming devices
• Other devices with communication, recording, photographic, video, or internet capabilities

Prohibition During Instructional Time

In accordance with Wisconsin State Statute §118.258, students are prohibited from using PECDs during instructional time while on school premises or participating in school-sponsored activities.

For purposes of this policy, “instructional time” includes scheduled class periods and other instructional activities as determined by the District, such as special assemblies. Specific prohibited time at each level is as follows: 

• Elementary: periods from the start-of-school bell until the end-of-school bell, and lunch periods
• Middle: periods from the start-of-school bell until the end-of-school bell, and lunch periods
• High School: periods from the start of school until the end of school, with the exception of the individual student’s non-instructional lunch period and passing times

Permitted Exceptions

Student use of PECDs during instructional time is permitted only under the following circumstances:

• Emergency situations or perceived threats to safety
• Health or medical needs documented in the student’s health plan
• Use required as assistive technology pursuant to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan
• Instructional use explicitly authorized by a staff member for a defined educational purpose approved by the District  

General Use Expectations

Students may receive limited permission to possess and use PECDs before school, after school, and during non-instructional times, subject to school rules and staff direction. Use of PECDs must comply with this policy, other Board policies, and directives regarding the appropriate time, place, and manner of use.  

During instructional time, devices must be turned off and stored out of sight unless use is permitted under this policy. Students are prohibited from using PECDs to contact staff members via personal email, phone, or social media accounts. All school-related communication must occur through District-approved platforms, as outlined in the family and school handbooks. Any inappropriate electronic contact with staff may result in disciplinary action.

Administrators are authorized to establish school rules and acceptable use guidelines to enforce this policy, including expectations for possession, storage, and use of PECDs. 

The District is not responsible for the safety or security of PECDs brought to school. Students who bring devices do so at their own risk of theft, damage, loss, or misappropriation. The District may, but is not obligated to, investigate such incidents.

Nothing in this policy prohibits the District or grade levels (elementary, middle level, high school) from adopting more restrictive rules regarding student use of PECDs; all handbooks must reflect the minimum level of prohibition in this policy.  

Student Responsibility and Compliance

Student needs, understanding, and maturity levels vary. Rules regarding possession and use of PECDs may differ by grade level (elementary, middle level, high school). Permission to possess or use PECDs is a privilege, not a right, and may be limited or revoked by school staff or administration.

Students are required to relinquish PECDs to authorized school personnel upon request. Refusal to comply may be considered insubordination and subject to disciplinary action.

Inappropriate Use of PECDs

The inappropriate use of PECDs by students while on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Recording images, video, or audio where one would reasonably expect privacy (e.g., locker rooms, bathrooms)
• Creating, communicating, sharing, or posting personal information, 
• Recordings, or images of any student or staff member, without permission, except in public spaces and events
• Cheating, including communicating test answers, photographing tests
• Engaging in cyberbullying by making calls or sending messages (including texts and social media) that ridicule, threaten, or harass another student
• Sharing inappropriate content on a PECD during an acceptable use time with other students 

Note: Privacy cannot be guaranteed at public school events where devices are permitted.

Off-Campus Conduct

The District retains the right to investigate and respond to off-campus conduct, including online activity on websites, social media, or other platforms, that impacts the school environment.

Off-campus misuse of PECDs, including cyberbullying, harassment, or threatening communication toward individuals or the school environment, that substantially disrupts or is reasonably likely to disrupt school operations, may result in disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Action

Students who violate any law or any applicable school policy, rule, or directive are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with established District procedures. 

If there is reasonable suspicion that a PECD has been used in violation of Board policies or school rules, school personnel may temporarily confiscate the device. Confiscated devices will be stored in a reasonably secure manner and may be returned to a parent/guardian, retained for disciplinary purposes, or referred to law enforcement when appropriate. Devices may be searched consistent with applicable law.

Disciplinary consequences may include, but are not limited to:

• Application of school disciplinary procedures
• Notification of parents/guardians
• Revocation of technology privileges
• Suspension
• Recommendation for expulsion
• Referral to law enforcement (if applicable)

Annual Notice

The District shall annually provide students with a copy of this policy and related rules in compliance with Wisconsin State Statute §118.258. Rules associated with this policy will be published in student handbooks.

Student Nondiscrimination

The Appleton Area School District does not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or physical, cognitive, emotional, or learning disability in its education programs or activities.

 

Cross References:

Responsible, Acceptable, and Safe Use for Technology Resources, 363 
Internet Safety Policy (CIPA), 363.2
Locker Room Privacy, 443.92
Staff Use of Information Technology and Communication Resources, 522.7 & Rule
Staff Use of Social Media, 522.71 & Rule
Employee Use of Mobile Phones and Other Data Devices, 522.72

Legal References:
Wisconsin State Statutes Sections 118.258, 120.13(1), 995.55

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Adoption Date: September 13, 1993

Amended Dates: June 28, 1999, May 22, 2006, May 14, 2007, June 22, 2020, December 8, 2025, and June 22, 2026