This is new for the 2025-2026 school year

All procedures are aligned with CRCSD Policy 0611: Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices.  Per the policy, ‘“Personal electronic device” is a device used by a student to send or receive information or create or review content, including but not limited to: 

• cellular and mobile phones
• watches or other wearable devices (examples including but not limited to earbuds, earphones, headphones and similar items)
• laptop or notebook computers
• tablets
• video game devices
• portable media players
• and any applications or programs installed by the student on a school-owned or issued device that are used to send or receive information or create or review content 

A “personal electronic device” does not include a device: issued by the District or a school to a student or group of students; or possessed by the student for documented legal, health, and/or safety purposes and used solely for those purposes as outlined in the Exemption Procedures below.

General Rules:

1. Kennedy High School strongly recommends that all devices are left at home.  Kennedy assumes no liability for any device a student brings to school.  In addition, Kennedy administration will not help locate lost or stolen devices brought to school.
2. A device may not be seen or heard from 7:50 AM to 2:50 PM anywhere on campus.  This includes passing time, lunch and study hall.  In addition, a device may not be seen or heard in the cafeteria during breakfast hours (7:15-7:50).  Violation of the rules will result in cascading disciplinary consequences as outlined below.  
3. Device Use for Instructional Purposes: Teachers must submit all requests for use of personal electronic devices in their classes and turn in their syllabus containing the specific instructional activities to Kennedy Administration prior to the start of each semester AND receive confirmation of approval. 

Violations:

All personal electronic device violations must be documented in Infinite Campus, regardless of whether the student did or did not give up the device.

1. First and Second offense will result in confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day by school administration.  Devices will be kept in the Main Office and, per policy, only returned to the student after 2:50 PM but must be retrieved no later than 3:30 PM.  Parents will be notified of the violation.
2. Third offense: The device will be confiscated by Kennedy Administration and stored in the Main Office for the remainder of the day.  The device will only be returned to the student’s parent or other adult listed in Infinite Campus between 2:50 PM and 3:30 PM.  Students with three violations in a semester will also be in violation of the Kennedy Good Standing Policy and be unable to attend events per that policy.
3. Fourth and subsequent violations will result in Out-of-School Suspension for the remainder of the day.
4. When an adult sees or hears a device, they will ask for that device to be turned over.  Any refusal or delay by the student in handing over the device is immediately considered major insubordination, resulting in, at a minimum,  Out-of-School Suspension for the remainder of the day.

Exemption Procedures

1. Instructional Exemptions
   1. Teachers must submit all requests for use of devices in their classes and turn in their syllabus containing the specific instructional activities to Kennedy Administration prior to the start of each semester AND receive confirmation of approval. 
2. Petition by Parent: 
   1. Each year, a petition must be filed in writing and include a signed letter from a medical professional that provides:
      1. The unique facts surrounding the physical or mental health need.
      2. The letter must indicate how the student, in their opinion, should be allowed to use the specific device per their diagnosis.  
      3. The letter must be dated.  
      4. The principal will review each case and provide specific regulations for use, and issue the student an Electronic Device Exemption Card or deny the request.
   2. Student Plans
      1. All students who require access to an electronic device per an IEP, 504, or Health Plan must submit to their appropriate plan coordinator written medical documentation from a provider that indicates: 
         1. The unique facts surrounding the physical or mental health need.
         2. The letter must indicate how the student, in their opinion, should be allowed to use the specific device per their diagnosis. 
      2. The appropriate team will determine how to write the accommodation into the plan.  
      3. The student will be issued an Electronic Device Exemption Card.