The Lima School Board has adopted a policy on the use of cell phones and personal communication devices. The state of Ohio has mandated that school districts adopt a policy.
Research is clear that the use of personal communication devices, including cell phones, in schools has a negative impact on students’ performance in the classroom as well as their mental health.
The Lima City Schools is committed to doing all it can to help students succeed and believes implementing the following policy will assist in keeping students focused on their teachers and classwork.
Students are prohibited from using cell phones and personal communication devices at all times during school hours unless it is a school-issued device. Exceptions include if the use of a device falls under a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or if needed to monitor a health issue (documentation is required).
The same policy will be enforced across the district. The only difference is that Lima Senior High School students may use cell phones or other personal communication devices during lunch. Teachers may also get permission from their building principal to allow students to use cell phones or personal communication devices for academic purposes in class.
Students are required to keep their cell phones and personal communication devices on silent mode and in a secure place such as a locker or closed bookbag.
The following discipline will be issued for violating the policy.
First Violation: Phone/device confiscated by administration for the rest of the day.
Second Violation: Phone/device confiscated by administration for the rest of the day. A parent will be contacted and the parent will be required to pick up the phone.
Third Violation: Phone/device confiscated by administration for the rest of the day. In School Suspension and a mandatory parent meeting.
Additional consequences could include no longer being permitted to bring a cell phone or other devices to school.
This policy will go into effect when students return from the holiday break Jan. 6. It applies to the use of any personal communication device, including cell phones, while on school property during school hours. Personal communication devices include but are not limited to cell phones, Apple Watches, tablets and gaming devices.
We understand that parents may at times need to reach their child while he or she is in school. We ask that parents call the school’s main office. Likewise, if students need to call a parent, they should come to the school office.
The district urges parents to talk to their students about the policy and the consequences for violating it. Schools will be doing the same.
"Together, I believe we can use this policy change to reinforce the importance of staying focused and engaged in the classroom," Superintendent Jill Ackerman said. "Eliminating the distraction of personal communication devices, including cell phones, will help in this effort."
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