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Cell Phone Policy

 

At angel oak elementary, cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, gaming devices, ETC. must be stored in student bookbags at all times. students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the pdp and guardians will be asked to pick up the device from administration.

 

CCSD’s Personal Electronic Devices Policy

Dear Parents and Students,

We hope this message finds you well as we continue our commitment to fostering an engaging and productive learning environment for all Charleston County School District (CCSD) students. At the November 18, 2024, Board of Trustees meeting, a new policy, "Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day" (Policy JICJ), was adopted to create a phone-free school environment. This policy complies with the General Appropriations Bill, H. 5100 of 2024, Proviso 1.103, and applies to all kindergarteners through 12th graders.

This new policy is designed to remove distractions from personal devices during the school day so students can focus better, learn more, and build strong relationships with their classmates and teachers. Our policy also aligns with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, emphasizing essential college and career-ready skills, collaboration, and meaningful interpersonal interactions. Implementation will begin on January 6, 2025.  

Key Definitions

  • Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs): These include cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, gaming devices, and accessories like earbuds and headphones.
  • School Day: Defined as the time students are on school premises from arrival until dismissal, including field trips unless otherwise directed by administration.

Overview of Policy Implementation

  1. Devices must be powered off and securely stored (e.g., in backpacks, lockers, storage containers) throughout the instructional day. Storage is specific by school location.
  2. Usage is only allowed when explicitly authorized for instructional purposes or required under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), medical plan, or Section 504 accommodation plan.
  3. The CCSD Progressive Discipline Plan, updated August 21, 2024, outlines school response for any student cell phone violations and is found here: CCSD Student Code of Conduct (page 6). 

Communication Alternatives
Parents and guardians may reach their children during the school day for urgent or emergent issues by contacting the school’s front office. Please understand that students will not be pulled from class for general messages. We suggest using a student's CCSD email as an alternative way to communicate with your child if needed (high school only). In cases of student illness or emergency, students should visit their school’s Health Clinic to make necessary phone calls. 

For the full text of CCSD’s policy and further details, please visit Policy JICJ: Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day.

We know this change may take some time to adjust, but it is an important step to help students stay focused and make the most of their time at school. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a focused, distraction-free school experience. For more details, visit the district’s website and look out for additional updates from your principal.

Sincerely,
CCSD’s Office of Communications