BUCKRIDGE PRIVATE SCHOOL TABLET POLICY

Electronic devices may serve as an outstanding instructional tool and learning resource if used appropriately. We encourage our staff members and our students to use electronics and other 21st century devices to supplement instruction and learning.  However, it has been proven that students who are on electronic devices when it is not part of the instructional lesson are not fully engaged in learning. In order to preserve the teaching and learning environment, this document is to clarify the electronic devices policy for BUCKRIDGE PRIVATE SCHOOL. The policy is:

Student use of TABLETS during the school day is a privilege. Adherence to the guidelines below is essential to maintaining an appropriate academic environment and the integrity of the classroom. Abuse of this privilege will result in consequences beginning with confiscation of device, suspension or loss of other privileges such as participation in school trips, sleepovers, talent shows etc.

Students using electronic devices in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, from within or from outside the classroom, or violates the rights of others, including, but not limited to, using the device in violation of our school conduct rules, harassing or bullying staff or students, photographing or video recording or using their device for unlawful purposes will be subject to more severe disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion and may, if applicable be reported to the Department of Education.

Policy Bullet Points

•       Once inside the school, students must store their cell phones/electronic device in their school bag, out of sight, even though they are on SILENT. It is YOUR responsibility to keep your things secure.

•       Tablets and all functions within the tablet (i.e. cameras, music and all other applications) are prohibited in the following areas unless expressly permitted by a staff member for educational purposes: Science Labs, all Physical Education Areas and all School Office Areas.

•   Tablets/cell phones may never be used in Restrooms.

•       All tablets should be put on mute/ silence, without vibration. No learner shall be allowed to make or receive calls during school time as the tablet is not meant to replace the cell phone of the child whilst at school. 

•       Parents may not phone their children during school hours on their phone or tablet. Any correspondence with the child should only be done through the school office.

•   Tablets and other devices are not permitted to be charged in the school.

•   All tablets should be packed away and left in the classroom during break, sports and clubs time unless instructed otherwise by a teacher or a member of the staff.

•   Headphones and other Bluetooth enabled devices are not permitted to be worn in class without permission from teacher and must be put away securely by the student in their bag.

•       If a cell phone/ electronic device rings, vibrates, or is used for any reason without teacher permission, or is visible anytime during class time or if you are caught using it on campus during class time, a staff member may confiscate the device.

•   Under no circumstance is photographing or video recording allowed anywhere on the school premise.

The standing cell phone policy will apply as before (PLEASE REFER TO THE SCHOOL’S CELL PHONE POLICY): NO LEARNER IS ALLOWED TO USE A CELLPHONE DURING SCHOOL TIME. 

The Violation of the cell phone and tablet rules as stated above will result in the confiscation of the device according to the following hierarchy of disciplinary action:

•   First Offence ~ the device will be held in the Administration office until the end of the school day.  Students may pick up their phone/tablet following the submission of admission of guilty letter to the vice Principal. A detention record shall be kept by the class teacher and submitted to the discipline Master at the appropriate time (REFER TO THE SCHOOL’S DISCIPLINARY POLICY)

•   Second Offence ~  As First Offence and The Administrator will  establish contact with a parent or guardian on behalf of the Vice Principal. The learner will not be permitted to use their tablet at school the following day.  

•   Third Offence ~ The Vice Principal will contact the parent/guardian to discuss the behaviour of the learner and map out strategies at school and home that will help the learner in the proper use of the cell phone/tablet.

*It should be noted that refusal to surrender a cell phone or a tablet or other electronic device when directed to do so by a school staff member, teacher or administrator is a violation of the school’s Code of Conduct. Insubordinate behaviour is punishable by suspension, exclusion from school events, inclusive of graduation and or involuntary transfer proceedings.

The staff of Buckridge High School requests your FULL co-operation with our policy.

Neither the school, nor any of its employees, will take responsible for the loss or damage to any student’s phone, tablet or electronic device whether that device is in the student’s possession or left behind in class overnight. It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to this policy and to secure his or her belongings at all times. Classes and or instruction will not be stopped to deal with or search for lost phones/ tablets/devices.