443.5

STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES

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

Students may receive limited permission to have and use Personal Electronic Communication Devices (PECDs) at school (before, during, and after the school day) as well as in other school-supervised environments. Personal Electronic Communication Devices (PECDs) include cellular telephones and other electronic devices. These devices may have communication, recording, photographic, or video-imaging functions. PECDs may or may not connect to the Internet. A student may bring a personal electronic device to school. However, its use is limited to the guidelines set forth in this document, other related Board policies, and additional rules or directives from the District or school staff regarding the appropriate time, place, and manner of use.

Students are prohibited from using personal electronic communication devices to contact staff members via personal email, phone, or social media accounts. All school-related communication must occur through District-approved platforms. Any inappropriate electronic contact with staff may result in disciplinary action

Administrators are authorized to establish school rules and acceptable use guidelines for limited, non-disruptive use of PECDs before, during, and after the school day in the school building or during school activities. Such limited use shall be consistent with the following general parameters:

1. The District will not be liable for the safety or security of PECDs brought to school by students.  Students who bring PECDs to school do so at their own risk of possible theft, damage, misappropriation of data/equipment, or other loss. The District is permitted, but not obligated, to investigate or otherwise resolve the loss or theft of, or any damage to, any personal electronic device.
2. Student needs, understanding, and maturity levels vary. Accordingly, rules regarding student possession and use of PECDs may be different among students by grade level or on another reasonable basis. The rules may address instructional and non-instructional uses of PECDs.
3. Permission to have and use personal electronic devices at school or any supervised setting may be further modified or limited by staff, supervisors, or administrators. 
4. In line with state law, the District will annually provide students with a copy of the rules on PECD possession and use.
5. Students who receive limited permission to possess and/or use any PECDs receive those permissions as a privilege, not a right.
6. Students are required to relinquish electronic devices to authorized school personnel when directed. Refusal to comply with such a directive may be considered insubordination, and the student may be subject to disciplinary action.
7. Nothing within this policy or in any rules established in connection with this policy shall be construed to limit a student’s ability to use a PECD in a manner that functions as assistive technology necessary for a student’s education, and that is required under an individualized education program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan.

Inappropriate Use of PECDs

The inappropriate use of PECDs by students while on campus is subject to disciplinary action.

The inappropriate use of PECDs includes, but is not limited to, the following examples:

• Recording images, video, or audio where one would reasonably expect privacy, i.e. locker rooms, bathrooms, etc.*
• Creating, communicating, sharing, or posting personal information, recordings, or images of any student or staff member without permission, except in public spaces and events.*
• Communicating test answers, photographing tests, or otherwise enabling cheating.
• Engaging in cyberbullying by making calls or sending messages (including texts and social media) that ridicule, threaten, or harass another student.

*Please be aware that ensuring student privacy is not possible at school or district-sponsored public performances or athletic/activities events where cameras and PECDs are permitted.

Off-Campus Use of PECDs

Cyberbullying, harassment, or misuse of technology off-campus that disrupts school operations may result in disciplinary action for students. The District retains the right to investigate and act upon off-campus incidents that impact the school environment. This includes engaging in cyberbullying or posting material online—on websites, social media, or elsewhere—that is likely to disrupt or does actually disrupt school operations.

Disciplinary Action

Students who violate any law or any applicable school policy, rule, or directive in connection with their possession or use of PECDs shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures. If there is reasonable suspicion of a PECD being used in violation of Board policies or school rules, school personnel may temporarily confiscate the device. Staff shall make an effort to store a confiscated device in a reasonably secure location. To the extent consistent with applicable law, a confiscated device may be subject to a search by a school administrator or law enforcement officials. Any online activity that substantially disrupts the school environment, including but not limited to cyberbullying and harassment, may result in disciplinary action.

Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, any of the following:

• Application of school disciplinary practices and procedures
• Notification of parents/guardians or legal custodians
• Notification of the activities director and/or co-curricular coaches/advisors
• Revocation of district technology use privileges
• Suspension from school
• Notification of a superintendent or designee
• Recommendation for expulsion
• Notification of law enforcement officials (if applicable)

PECDs may be confiscated by school officials and returned to the student's parent(s)/guardian(s), retained for disciplinary reasons, or handed over to law enforcement.

The rules related to this policy will be published in student handbooks and distributed annually.

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

Adoption Date: September 13, 1993

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