Cell Phone Policy

In accordance with Virginia law, FCPS has implemented a new cell phone usage policy. Students will now only be able to access their phones during their designated lunch periods each day. This means that pulling out phones in the hallways or during class transitions are not permissible. 

DAILY PROCESS

  1. Before the school day begins, students will silence their cell phones (turn them off or place in airplane mode). Smartwatches also need to be placed in airplane mode or turned off. Airpods and Bluetooth headphones must be turned off and placed in backpacks or lockers during class and transitions. Phones must be off and away.
  2. Students may use their phones during lunch only in designated areas.
  3. Students with IEPs who have an accommodation allowing access to their phones or students with a documented medical need requiring access to their phones will be allowed to have access to their phones.

VIOLATIONS

Staff Response and Discipline

  • First Violation
    • Sanction:The item is confiscated and given to the front office. The phone/item is relinquished to the student at the end of school day.
    • Intervention:Students will be warned and reminded of expectations.
    • SIS Entry:Cell phone violation is entered in SIS as the first violation of the FCPS policy. Parent will be notified.
  • Second Violation
    • Sanction:The item is confiscated and given to the front office. The phone/item is relinquished to the student at the end of school day.
    • Intervention:Administrator/Student Conference OR Administrator/Parent Conference
    • SIS Entry:Cell phone violation is entered in SIS as the second violation of the FCPS policy. Parent will be notified.
  • Third Violation
    • Sanction:The item is confiscated and given to the front office. The phone/item is relinquished to the student at the end of school day.
    • Intervention:Administrator/Student Conference OR Administrator/Parent Conference; Restorative Justice
    • SIS Entry:Cell phone violation is entered in SIS as the third violation of the FCPS policy. Parent will be notified.
  • Fourth Violation (and all other subsequent violations)
    • Sanction:Loss of Privilege for 20 consecutive school days. For each of 20 days, the student will report to the front office at the beginning of each day to turn over their phone until the end of the day.
    • Intervention:Administrator/Student Conference OR Administrator/Parent Conference OR Referral to MTSS for goal setting and progress monitoring.
    • SIS Entry:Cell phone violation is entered in SIS as the fourth violation of the FCPS policy. Parent will be notified.