Accomack Schools release new cell phone policy

The Accomack county School System has released a new policy concerning student use of cell phones during school hours.  The policy was developed following urging by Governor Youngkin for school divisions to develop stricter rules for cell phone use during school hours  and  was recently posted on the Nandua Middle School web site.  The policy reads as follows.

Accomack County Public Schools recognizes that cell phones and other portable telecommunication devices are an integral part of our student and family’s way to communicate. Therefore, we have made the following amendments to our cell phone policy to meet the needs of our student body and curtail cell phone related discipline infractions and classroom distractions. Please sign, date, and return this document as acknowledgment of reading and understanding the policy with your children.

To ensure the most conducive learning environment, cell phones, smart watches, personal laptops,
tablets, headphones, earbuds, ipads  and other viewing/listening devices are prohibited during school hours. Students may contact their parents from the main office phone if an emergency arises. If you need to contact your child for emergency reasons, we also ask that you call the main office, but please understand we would like to protect instructional time for all students.

Elementary students with cell phones MUST keep them off, and out of sight, on the school bus to and from school, during the school day.

Middle school students with cell phones must keep their phones off and stored away in book bags for the entire school day.

High school students with cell phones must keep their phones off and stored away in book bags or purses; in addition, all other electronic devices and accessories must be stored out of sight in backpacks or bags. High School students are permitted to use their cell phones in the cafeteria during their scheduled lunch period ONLY. Students are not allowed to make or accept calls at any time.

Middle and High School students can use their devices while on the bus to and from school,however, they should not be seen or heard by the bus driver. Students are not allowed to make or accept calls at any time.

Consequences for electric device violations:

• First Infraction – Students will receive an Out of School Suspension  1 to  2 days.
• Second Infraction – 3 days Out of School Suspension.
• Third Infraction – 5 days OSS

All subsequent violations will result in 5+ days OSS
If students use their phones to record events including fights, teachers, etc. on school campuses or school sponsored events, they will be subject to an immediate 3-day OSS. Use of a device to record and share illicit materials such as but not limited to threats, air drops, private adult content, will be subject to the following consequences:

• Long-term suspension of 45 days.
• Possible Accomack County Sheriff involvement (threats/sharing of illicit pictures/videos of themselves and or other students).
• Possible Expulsion for repeated offenses.

**Accomack County Public Schools personnel assume no responsibility in any circumstance for bills for cell phones or other electronic devices, or any damage/theft of student device(s). Students assume all risk should they choose to bring cell phone/wearable technology to school.