Cell Phone Policy

Electronic Devices

It is strongly recommended that non-essential personal property not be brought on campus because we cannot guarantee the security of these items and because they are a distraction to the learning environment and/or are a potential source of trouble. The rule is that if electronic devices are brought to CKM’s campus, they are not allowed to be out during class time without teacher permission, with the exception of before school, lunch break, passing periods, and after school. The following are considered non-essential items: Cell phones, MP3 players, iPods, iPads, laptops, CD players, pagers, video cameras, walkie-talkies, handheld games, or any other electronic devices. If an electronic device is used in class without the teacher’s permission, it must be brought to the climate office.

Cell Phones

The state of California adopted Assembly Bill 272 in July of 2019. The bill declares that there is growing evidence that unrestricted use of smartphones by students during the school day interferes with the educational mission of schools; lowers pupil performance, promotes cyberbullying; and contributes to an increase in teenage anxiety, depression, and suicide. The bill further encourages local agencies to adopt policies to address cell phone use in schools. SCUSD has a Board Policy that pre-dates yet aligns with AB 272. 

SCUSD Board Policy 5131.2

California Ed Code § 48901.7

C.K. McClatchy faculty have collectively worked to create site-level plans to ensure students have access to the best educational experience. Limiting phone use in classrooms is key to an environment free from distractions. Each teacher will enact classroom cell phone procedures during the first week of school. There are two possible classroom expectations:

• Students will store phones in a safe classroom location during instructional time as directed by the classroom teacher.  Most teachers will implement a classroom phone caddy or similar routine wherein students place their phones in a designated slot and retrieve it at the end of the period, or in the event of an emergency. 
• Students will keep their phones on silent and in their backpacks.  Students will not access their cellphones during class unless authorized to use them by the teacher, or in the event of an emergency.

There may be some circumstances when students may access their phones during instructional time if allowed by the teacher.

We ask that parents partner with us in our effort to protect valuable learning time. Students unwilling to comply with classroom cellphone procedures will be asked to meet with the school administration. Progressive discipline will likely follow this progression:

1. Teacher asks student to put the phone away in caddy or backpack
2. Teacher asks a second time to put the phone away in caddy or backpack
3. Teacher or CKM Staff to notify parent of noncompliance
4. Teacher calls for student to be escorted with their phone to the Climate Office
5. The Assistant Principal will assess the situation and apply consequences as appropriate, and contact the parent/ guardian.