PERSONAL ELECTRONIC
Policy in pdf format

It is the policy of the Board of Education that a student may possess a personal electronic device while on school premises, or while in transit under the authority of the school, or while attending any function sponsored or authorized by the school upon consent of both the student's parent or guardian, and the superintendent or the superintendent's designee. Students may be issued a device by the school district such as a laptop, tablet or other electronic device. Schools issued devices or school-approved devices are exempt from the requirements of this policy and shall be utilized for educational purposes by students.

Students are prohibited from utilizing cell phones and personal electronic devices while on the campus of a public-school district from bell to bell. Exceptions may be made as follows:

1. Emergency use of cell phones or personal electronic devices by students during the school day. Emergency use includes situations where immediate communication is needed for safety or urgent personal matters. This includes, but is not limited to:
   1. Medical Emergencies - Calling 911 or a parent if a student or someone nearby is having a severe health crisis (e.g.., asthma attack, allergic reaction, seizure); or
   2. Natural Disasters or Lockdowns - Communicating with law enforcements or family during events like tornados, fires, lockdowns, other emergencies affecting the school; or
2. Use of cell phone or personal electronic devices by students who use them to monitor health issues This includes, but is not limited to, glucose monitoring which may occur multiple times during the school day; or
3. Students with special needs may use cell phones or personal electronic devices during class time or during the school day if their IEP, Medical Plan, or 504 Plan explicitly requires it as assistive technology for medically or educationally necessary purposes. To qualify for this exception, the use must be listed as a documented accommodation necessary for instruction or communication within the student's IEP, Medical Plan, or 504 Plan.

"Bell to bell" means the time between the first ringing bell at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day to end instructional time.

"Personal electronic device" means a personal device capable of connecting to a smart phone, the Internet, or a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connecting to another similar device.

Personal electronic devices include, but are not limited to, smart watches, smart headphones, laptops, tablets, and smart glasses. Personal electronic devices shall not include school-issued or school approved devices that are specifically limited for use in classroom instruction.

Students found to be using any personal electronic device for any illegal purpose, violation of privacy, or to in any way send or receive personal messages, data, or information that would contribute to or constitute cheating on tests or examinations shall be subject to discipline and the device shall be confiscated by the administration of the school district. Any personal wireless communication device that is confiscated will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. Students violating this rule will be disallowed from carrying any wireless telecommunications device following the incident unless the device is utilized to monitor a health condition.

Students found to be in possession of a personal electronic device in violation of the rules shall be subject to disciplinary action under the student discipline policy. Punishment for violation will be determined by the administration on a case-by-case basis. Where appropriate, law enforcement may be contacted.

REFERENCE: 70 O.S. Section 1-26

70 O.S. Section 24-101.1, et seq.

70 O.S. Section 24-102

THIS POLICY REQUIRED BY LAW.

Adopted Date:  12/11/01  Revision Date(s):  8/12/2019m 7/14/2025  

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CNP FAQ Regarding the New Cell Phone Bill and Board Policy

 

Why did the rules about cell phones change?

This spring, Oklahoma legislators passed a law to make all Oklahoma public schools “cell phone-free” zones for the 2025-26 school year. It specifically prohibits the use of personal cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day while on school campus.

What are other “personal electronic devices?”

This term includes smart watches, smart glasses, smart headphones, tablets, computers and other devices that can be connected to a smartphone, another device, the internet, wifi or a cellular network. It does not include devices that have been issued by the district, like Chromebooks or laptops, or devices that have been approved by the district.

Why is there a new Choctaw-Nicoma Park Board of Education policy, too?

The law requires that each Oklahoma school board adopt a policy about how the new law will be locally implemented.

What is the purpose of the change?

Phones and other personal electronic devices can be a distraction and make it difficult to prioritize instruction during the day. Supporters of this change hope it will allow students to focus more on learning while they are at school. Initial research nationwide indicates the change can increase classroom engagement and participation, while decreasing cyberbullying and office discipline referrals.

Can students use their cell phones or other personal electronic devices during the school day?

The law says personal electronic devices may not be used from “bell to bell,” which means the length of the school day. In our district, the school day is:

• 7:49 a.m. to 2:47 p.m. for high school students.
• 7:40 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. for middle school students.
• 8:35 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for elementary students.

“Bell to bell” does include lunch period and passing times.

What if students need their phones in an emergency?

The law grants an exception for students to use their devices during an emergency situation, like a natural disaster or lockdown. We certainly understand students may need to contact law enforcement or family members during these situations. Parents may also want to get in touch with their students to be sure they are safe.

Additionally, please know the school district will contact parents directly through Bright-Arrow messaging when there is an urgent situation or safety concern on campus. If you have questions about this process or need to update your contact information, please call or email the site secretary.

What if a parent needs to talk with a student for an important but non-emergency situation?

We ask parents to please call the front office of the school and talk with the staff about their concern or need. Our team will be happy to assist you.

In urgent situations, messages can be delivered to students during the school day, or they can be asked to come to the office or use a classroom phone. Otherwise, students will be notified that they have a note to pick up in the office between class periods or after school.

What if students have a medical issue that requires them to use a device?

The law grants an exception for students who need their device to manage a health issue, like checking their blood sugar. If a student has a medical need, we ask parents to contact site administration to complete the exception process. Our health services team will also be reaching out to those they know may require a device for medical reasons during the day.

What if a student has another special need that requires the use of a device?

The district policy grants an exception for students who need a device as an accommodation during the school day, as long as their IEP, Medical Plan or 504 Plan requires it as assistive technology for medically or educationally necessary purposes.  While this exception is not explicitly mentioned in the law, our district has included it in our policy to ensure compliance with federal laws protecting students with disabilities.

If students can’t use their phones at school, are they allowed to “have” them at school?

Yes. Neither the law nor board policy prohibits students from bringing their phones to school. They just can’t be used during the school day, unless the reason for using them falls under one of the exceptions.

To meet the requirements of the law and board policy, our school staff expects phones to be silent, out of sight and not in use during the school day. Students have numerous options for safeguarding their phones during the day, including – but not limited to – turning it off and storing it in their secured locker or backpack, leaving it in their car or keeping it at home. We encourage parents and students to have a conversation about what is best for their family. It is a parental choice; however, please understand in advance that the school staff cannot be responsible for phones that are misplaced or stolen while at school.

Can students use their phones when they are traveling for extracurricular activities?

Yes. The law only prohibits the use of personal devices during the school day while on campus.

What if a teacher needs students to use their personal devices to participate in an online learning game or for another valid instructional purpose?

Under the policy, an exception may be granted when phones are needed for school activities or instructional purposes, at the direction of the teacher.

What if a student doesn’t follow the rules?
We will share additional information and have more conversations with students about this new policy when they return to school for the 2025-26 school year. We know this is a big change, and we will help with the transition as much as possible. Ultimately, those who fail to follow the requirement will face consequences that align with the district’s discipline policy, which families can find in the student handbook.

High School Handbook

Middle School Handbook

Elementary Handbook                              

Violations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

What can families do to help?
Please encourage students to follow this new requirement and to embrace the opportunity it will provide for them to gain more from their school experience. We hope to achieve this goal together and do not want possible consequences from non-compliance to cause additional disruptions to their school day.