Hitch Elementary Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy
Cell phones and electronic devices can be tools for education. To teach students proper device usage, Hitch Elementary is equipped with hundreds of laptops and electronic devices. Students are welcome to use our devices for educational purposes. Students, however, are not permitted to use personal electronic devices at school (e.g. cell phones, music players, tablets, personal laptops, etc.). This policy has been in place for several years to safeguard the privacy of students, families and staff. Please read our Electronic Policy below:
ELECTRONICS POLICY
All personal electronic devices – including cellular phones, tablets, watches with cellular capabilities, music players, digital cameras and related electronic items – cannot be used on campus or on field trips.
Should a student need or choose to bring an electronic device to school:
- The device must be turned OFF at all times during the school day. No calling, texting, web surfing, e-mailing, photographing or any other use of the phone is allowed during any time a student is in school (including before and after school programs).
- In PreK-3rd, students must leave their device turned off and inside their bookbag. If parents are worried about the loss of a phone or electronic device, please do not allow your children to carry it to school. The school is not responsible for any stolen or lost items.
- In 4th-8th, students must leave their device turned off and put it in the classroom’s designated secure location. If parents are worried about the loss of a phone or electronic device, please do not allow your children to carry it to school. The school is not responsible for any stolen or lost items.
Consequences for misuse:
1st Offense – Restorative conversation with teacher. After conversation, teacher makes contact with parent to discuss cell phone policy.
2nd Offense – Device is held in the main office, restorative conversation with teacher and parent. After meeting, cell phone will be returned to parent.
3rd Offense – Device is held in the main office and the parent must retrieve it, and will be asked to have a conference with the teacher, administration, student present.
Chronic Misuse – Will result in the loss of all privileges to carry the device, and doing so could result in additional consequences according to the CPS student code of conduct.