Overview of the BCPS Student Cell Phone Expectations 2025-26:
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Cell phone use is prohibited during the instructional day in all BCPS elementary and middle schools other than for school-sanctioned uses or times.
•All students should have phones OFF and AWAY during instructional time.
•Headphones/ear buds, smartwatches, or other similar wearable technology are prohibited unless used for a specific instructional purpose.
•Students who need personal devices for medical needs MUST have this documented in a 504 Plan, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or Individualized Health Classroom Plan. Students may ONLY use their phone for the stated purpose in the plan.
Cell phone use is restricted during the instructional day in all BCPS high schools and may be allowed for specific times or uses.
Students and/or their families assume all risk and liability for damage, theft, or loss of personal technology.
Recording students or staff with cell phones or other recordable personal technology may be illegal and violates BCPS policy; students who use devices to record disruptions of any kind are subject to disciplinary action and may be referred to law enforcement.
Consequences for violating school and/or BCPS policy or rules may be either school- or system-based and are to be assessed by school-based staff.
School-Based Consequences:
| Violation # |
Consequence |
| 1st |
Verbal Warning |
| 2nd |
Parent Contact |
| 3rd |
The team leader or administrator will assign you detention and a reflection form to be filled out and contact home. Administrator will lock phone in the office for the day and have a conference with your parent/guardian about the cellphone policy. |
| 4th |
At this point, you will be considered non-compliant (refusal to listen, follow procedure). This will result in an immediate office referral to your administrator as this is a Category I offense for Failure to Follow School Rules in the BCPS Student Handbook.
Consequently, the phone must be turned into the front office each day and locked in a lockbox as you are no longer permitted to have your phone in classrooms in the building due to irresponsible use. (Note: This will be for the remainder of the quarter. You will have another opportunity to show responsible use the next quarter. |