At Sobrato High School, our goal is to foster a focused, respectful, and productive learning environment. To support this, we are implementing a schoolwide policy regarding the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. 

Policy Basis and Rationale

This policy is aligned with Assembly Bill 3216 – The Phone-Free School Act, supports compliance with safety laws and district policies, and is grounded in the following goals:

• Productivity: Personal devices can interfere with academic focus and reduce classroom engagement.  Using school-issued devices can keep students focused and safe while learning online.
   
• Security: School-issued devices are filtered and monitored for student safety, unlike personal devices.  The district IT department is able to flag apps or websites that may pose data privacy risks on school-issued devices, as well as provide alerts for concerning search terms or online behavior.  Using school-issued devices reduces incidents of inappropriate content access. 
• Minimizing Distractions: Texting, social media, and gaming negatively impact student behavior and learning outcomes.

Devices Covered by this Policy

This policy applies to all personal electronic devices, including but not limited to:

• Cell phones
• Earphones/headphones
• Smartwatches and smart glasses
• Gaming devices
• Tablets
• Personal laptops

General Guidelines

• Devices brought to school are at the student’s own risk. The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronics.
  Students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices during instructional hours, including during tutorial. All classrooms will follow a consistent procedure to reduce distractions and support academic success.

Classroom Procedures for Electronic Devices

• Each classroom will display a posted copy of the schoolwide expectations.
  At the start of each period (including tutorial), teachers will remind students—either verbally or in writing—of the device policy.
• Students are expected to:
  • Place their phones in the classroom phone caddy at the beginning of the period.
  • Store earphones, headphones, smartwatches, and smart glasses in backpacks, which should remain on the floor.
  • Leave devices in the room when leaving class for the restroom or other reasons. Devices may only be retrieved from the caddy with explicit permission from the teacher.

Progressive Interventions

1. Reminder
   • Teacher provides a verbal reminder and prompts the student to follow the expectations.
   • If reminders become habitual, teachers may escalate immediately to the next step.
2. In-Class Confiscation
   • If the device is out without permission, the teacher may ask the student to place it on the teacher’s desk or in another secure, designated location.
   • The teacher will contact the student’s guardian and document the incident in Aeries for repeat offenses.
3. Office Confiscation and Referral
   • Continued violations will result in the device being sent to the front office and a referral being made.
   • 1st offense: Student may pick up device at the end of the day.
   • 2nd offense and beyond: A parent or guardian must retrieve the device from the office.

Prohibited Use and Legal Considerations

• Students may not take photos, videos, or audio recordings during class time without prior approval from both the teacher and administration.
• Phones are strictly prohibited in PE locker rooms and restrooms.
  Violations may result in:
  • Disciplinary referrals
  • Detention, suspension, or expulsion
  • Police involvement in cases involving recording in private areas

Emergency Communication

In case of an emergency, students may request to use a school phone in the front office.

Chromebook Policy

In order to minimize distractions, protect student security, and maintain an environment conducive to academic success, students are not permitted to use personal laptops or tablets on school grounds during instructional hours.

Each student is issued a district Chromebook for educational use at school and home:

• Misuse of Chromebooks during instructional time is considered a violation of this electronic device policy.
• Students are financially responsible for lost or damaged Chromebooks and chargers. Fines may be issued for physical damage, including stickers, writing, or other modifications.
• Important: Chromebook activity is monitored. Web searches related to violence or safety are flagged and reported to administrators. Even "joke" searches may lead to:
  • Detention or suspension
  • Searches of backpacks or homes by law enforcement
  • Police citations
  • Loss of technology access and other privileges

Students must not leave their Chromebook open and unattended, as misuse by others could lead to disciplinary action against both the student it’s assigned to and the one who misuses it.

Permitted Exceptions

Students may use personal devices during class only with prior approval from school administration, as allowed under AB 3216.