M.S.D. of Wayne Township’s comprehensive wireless communication device (WCD) guidance is designed to foster a productive learning environment while encouraging overall development for all students. Embracing the prevalent role of technology in modern society, we aim to build a balance between leveraging electronic devices for educational purposes with minimal disruption in the classroom and fostering essential collaborative and social-emotional skills.
Aligned with the developmental stages of our students as they progress through grade levels, this guidance gradually releases responsibility to them, recognizing their increasing maturity and capacity for self-regulation.
The usage of personal wireless communication devices (WCDs), such as cell phones, earbuds, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, and wearable technology, will be regulated during instructional time. Students are expected to bring their district-issued communication devices (iPads in K-2 and Chromebooks in 3-12) to class. Personal WCDs are prohibited unless approved by the teacher while they are in the learning environment/classroom.
IEP/504:
In some very unique situations, students with identified disabilities may have a need to keep a personal WCD with them during the school day. These situations are approved at the discretion of the case conference committee and will only be considered when necessary to meet specific, documented needs in unusual circumstances.
At any point during the school day (especially in an emergency), caregivers can call the main office line of the school to communicate any necessary information. Additionally, caregivers are encouraged to utilize the student’s district-issued email for communication purposes.
At the elementary level, where foundational skills are cultivated and social norms are established, electronic device usage is restricted to educational purposes under the supervision of teachers. This is intended to emphasize digital citizenship, focus on responsible device usage, and lay the groundwork for collaborative learning and the development of social-emotional skills.
K-6th Grade Student Responsibilities: Students will bring their charged district issued communication devices (iPads in K-2 and Chromebooks in 3-6) to class daily. Students will leave personal WCDs at home or secure silenced, personal WCDs in a backpack during the school day.
As students transition to Chapel Hill or Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Centers, students are granted increased autonomy with their devices, allowing them to be utilized for educational purposes during designated times while still adhering to classroom guidelines. This stage emphasizes the importance of self-regulation, appropriate technology use in academic settings, and the cultivation of collaborative skills through academic and social peer-to-peer interactions.
7th-8th Grade Student Responsibilities: Students will bring their charged district issued communication devices (IPads in K-2 and Chromebooks in 3-12) to class daily. Students will secure silenced, personal WCDs in a backpack or locker during the school day.
Ben Davis High School Ninth Grade Center is uniquely positioned to onboard students to credit-bearing courses while supporting students as they transition to the rest of the high school experience.
9th Grade Student Responsibilities: Students will bring their charged district issued communication devices (IPads in K-2 and Chromebooks in 3-12) to class daily. Students will secure silenced, personal WCDs in a backpack or locker unless used during passing periods and lunch. Recording devices must not be used inappropriately, and unauthorized recordings may lead to disciplinary action. At no time are students to take a picture or video of an individual during the school day without the permission of that individual or the school, unless directed to do so by a teacher as part of the curriculum or for use in a school publication. Devices are not to be out for any reason in any area where there is an expectation of privacy (i.e. locker room, bathroom).
By the time students reach Ben Davis High School or Ben Davis University High School, they are expected to demonstrate a high level of responsibility and maturity in managing their electronic device usage. While devices are permitted for educational purposes, students are entrusted with greater freedom to utilize them responsibly, preparing them for the realities of the digital world of higher education and the workforce.
10th-12th Grade Student Responsibilities: Students will bring their charged district issued communication devices (IPads in K-2 and Chromebooks in 3-12) to class daily. WCDs are not allowed in the classroom (outside of previously mentioned exceptions); WCDs are allowed in non-classroom areas if they do not disrupt the school environment. Recording devices must not be used inappropriately, and unauthorized recordings may lead to disciplinary action. At no time are students to take a picture or video of an individual during the school day without the permission of that individual or the school, unless directed to do so by a teacher as part of the curriculum or for use in a school publication. Devices are not to be out for any reason in any area where there is an expectation of privacy (i.e. locker room, bathroom).
Consequences for students are included below as a suggested path towards building a balance between leveraging electronic devices for educational purposes with minimal disruption in the classroom and fostering essential collaborative and social-emotional skills.
- 1st offense: Verbal warning, caregiver contacted by teacher
- 2nd offense: Classroom documentation with caregiver contact by teacher
- 3rd offense: Offense referral, caregiver/student conference with administrator
- 4th offense: Offense referral, device confiscated and returned to student
- 5th offense: Offense referral, student consequence not resulting in missed instruction, device confiscated and returned to caregiver
- 6th offense and beyond: Offense referral, device confiscated and returned to caregiver with progressive consequences
Throughout this developmental continuum, our comprehensive electronic device guidance not only empowers students with essential digital literacy skills but also fosters collaboration, communication, and social-emotional growth. By integrating technology into the learning process in a purposeful and responsible manner, we endeavor to cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. M.S.D. of Wayne Township appreciates your support in maintaining a learning environment that fosters engagement, collaboration, and the holistic development of every student.
If students or caregivers have questions regarding this guidance, please contact an administrator in your school.
