Orange County Public School Board - District 4 “Good morning,
Cell phone usage in schools is prohibited by Florida law and School Board policy.
Under s. 1006.07(2)(f), Fla. Stat., our Code of Conduct must have language prohibiting cell phone usage in class at the high school level:
"Each code shall include, but is not limited to:
Notice that use of a wireless communications device includes the possibility of the imposition of disciplinary action by the school or criminal penalties if the device is used in a criminal act. A student may possess a wireless communications device while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function; however, elementary and middle school students may not use a wireless communications device during the school day. High school students may not use a wireless communications device during instructional time, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. A high school teacher shall designate an area for wireless communications devices during instructional time. Each district school board shall adopt rules governing the use of a wireless communications device by a student while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function, including rules:
Designating locations within school buildings where a student may use his or her wireless communications device with the express permission of a school administrator.
Allowing the use of a wireless communications device by a student during the school day in accordance with:
a. The student's individualized education plan;
b. The student's 504 accommodation plan issued under s. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or
c. A doctor's note from a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459 certifying in writing that the student requires the use of a wireless communications device based upon valid clinical reasoning or evidence."
The School Board has adopted policy in its Code of Conduct for the usage of cell phones and headphones/earbuds on campus. The Code of Conduct very clearly prohibits usage of cell phones and headphones/ear buds from the morning bell to afternoon bell, even for high school students:
"A student may not possess smart glasses, including prescription smart glasses, on Board property or on school transportation. A student may possess a cell phone on Board property, on school transportation and at school activities, provided that during school hours, the cell phone is silenced and concealed in the student's backpack or purse. Pursuant to Section 1006.07, Florida Statutes, 'elementary and middle school students may not use a wireless communications device during the school day. High school students may not use a wireless communications device during instructional time, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. A high school teacher shall designate an area for wireless communications devices during instructional time.' For purposes of this section, the designated area for wireless communication use upon express permission of a school administrator will be the front office. Violations of the cell phone policy will be handled in accordance with the Code and may result in confiscation of said device. If the cell phone is used in a criminal act (such as sexting as outlined in Florida Statutes and the Code), the cell phone will be provided to law enforcement and the student may face criminal penalties.
The use of wireless communication devices is always prohibited during the school day (from the first morning bell to dismissal) unless expressly directed by a high school teacher solely for educational purposes. Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, tablets, and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as smart glasses, including prescription smart glasses, smartwatches and ear buds. Students may not receive discipline if they use their cellphone and/or ancillary device(s) to monitor a health condition that is documented through medical records provided to the school including, but not limited to, an IEP, a Section 504 Plan, or a Health Plan.
OCPS is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage to cell phones or other electronic devices brought onto its property."
The principal at West Orange High School is enforcing Florida law and the School Board's Code of Conduct by prohibiting cell phone and headphone/ear buds usage during the school day. The arguments raised by the petition below were considered by the Board when it first adopted the cell phone policy in the Code and were rejected by the Board. The Florida Legislature has also determined that cell phone usage during the school day is disruptive of the learning environment and has prohibited cell phone usage by students during instructional time by law.
Best regards,
Anne Douglas”
