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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBUL-162511.1 Smartphone-Free School Day.pdf BUL-162511 Page 1 of 6 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations TITLE: Learning by Implementing a Smartphone- Free School Day ROUTING Region Superintendents Region Administrators of Operations Region Operations Coordinators All School Site Employees NUMBER: ISSUER: Chief of School Operations Division of School Operations Maryhelen Torres Administrator of Operations Division of School Operations DATE: POLICY: address the use of cellular smartstudents on school grounds during instructional time. INTRODUCTION: This policy prohibits the use of smartphones, ancillary devices (e.g., smart watches, earbuds, wireless headphones, and smart glasses) and social media platforms Districtwide during the school day. Exceptions to this policy may apply based on the following circumstances: (1) when a licensed physician and surgeon determines that the possession or use of a smartphone is necessary for the health or well-being of the pupil; (2) when the possession or use of a smartphone is required in a pupil’s individualized education program or Section 504 Plan; or (3) for English Learners at level 1 or 2 students to assist with translation. (4) Students in Foster Youth who utilize HopSkipDrive (HSD) for transportation; and (5) in the case of an perceived threat of danger or if a family expresses a safety concern related to a potential or upcoming legal action. outside of school hours (e.g., to/from school) provided it does not interfere with the normal operation of the bus. smartphones and electronic devices to school, but they must be turned off and stored in their backpacks or designated storage product determined by their Local School Leadership Council (LSLC). Students will follow their school’s policy in storing their smartphones and other electronic devices. BUL-162511 Page 2 of 6 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations before after school hours. BACKGROUND: performance and ensure students’ mental health and well-being. By limiting smartphone and electronic device use, the District hopes to reduce distractions and encourage student interactions with their peers. GUIDELINES: Students are permitted to possess smartphones or electronic signaling devices on campus provided that any such device remains “off” and stored in their backpacks or designated storage product determined by the school’s LSLC. The use of smartphones is permitted before arriving on campus and after school hours, this includes summer school and credit recovery, etc. Students must follow school personnel instructions any time a request is made to cease the use of a smartphone or other electronic signaling device. Students and parents/guardians are to be advised of this policy annually and are to be advised that the District is not responsible for the damaged, or stolen smartphones or electronic devices. I. POLICY ROLL-OUT Any time a product selection changes, schools will need to engage stakeholders via their LSLC to discuss options for implementation and select the mode that is the best fit for their site. • The policy prohibits the use of smartplatforms by the use of an electronic device during the school day; • This policy also applies to devices that provide similar functionality to a smartphone, such as a “smart watch.” In accordance with state guidelines around emergency access to smartphones, any policy adopted must allow students to maintain their smartphones turned off on their person, or be readily accessible (e.g., classroom pocket charts, portable storage boxes/lockers within a classroom setting); • Students are only permitted to use smartphones on campus before and after the school day, if an exception does not apply; • Schools that are already implementing a more stringent policy may BUL-162511 Page 3 of 6 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations • Much like in the current policy, schools may also implement a more stringent policy (e.g., restricting the use during after-school guidelines and approved by their school LSLC. II. IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES Discipline Foundation Policy and will utilize Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)/Restorative Practice (RP)supports, such as: • Verbal reminders; • Referral to a counselor/designee for a conversation; • Contacting the parent/guardian to review the Phone-Free School Day Policy with their student; • In-person meetings with the parent/guardian. III. MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS The following will be available for students who may require additional support transitioning into the new policy: • Support from school mental health providers and counseling staff; • Engaging activities offered during nutrition and lunch; • Student support groups and school clubs; • Check-ins during advisory periods; • Wellness Room with activities for engagement; • (PBIS)/Restorative Practice (RP). IV. EXCEPTIONS An exception to this policy may be granted by the site administrator for purposes relating to: • Health-based needs; a. smart manage a medical diagnosis, the parent/guardian will need to have the child’s healthcare provider complete and return review. After receipt and review BUL-162511 Page 4 of 6 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)/Section 504 Plan; a. Exceptions to prohibiting smartphone use can be made if the device to support the student’s unique needs related to their disability and documents the exception for smartphone usage in the IEP or 504 Plan. • English Learners at Level 1 or 2 translation; a. If a student who is an English Learner (EL) at Level 1 or 2 needs access to their personal smartphone during the school day for translation purposes, the parent/guardian will need to return the Request for Approval of Student Smartphone Accommodation for review and approval. b. Schools can create a supportive learning environment that help students in EL programs integrate and succeed while minimizing potential distractions by setting guidelines. c. Set clear rules and expectations by defining when and how students can use smartphones for translation during specific class activities and be restricted discussions to maintain engagement. Establish reasonable time limits for translations to ensure it does not disrupt class time. Encourage responsible use to clarify that smartphones translating essential terms or phrases to avoid distractions. Provide alternative translation options such as bilingual dictionaries or classroom tablets or Chromebooks so students don’t rely solely on smartphones. provide support by having teachers observe how often and when students use smartphones for translation and provide language barriers. • Student Support Programs; a. Students in foster care who utilize HopSkipDrive (HSD) for during school hours to coordinate transportation. Students smartphones for the following permitted uses. o BUL-162511 Page 5 of 6 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations 1. Driver Communicationdriver communications at dismissal; 2. Caregiver Contact: reschedule or cancel rides in accordance with HSD’s policies, including adhering to the 90-minute cancellation window. • During an emergency or perceived threat of danger, students will be able to access their smartphones when staff deem it safe for emergency use. If a student or parent requests that the student be allowed to use their smartphone due to a “perceived threat of develop a safety plan, before allowing the use of the phone. In potential or upcoming legal action, the school will work to develop smartphone device may be granted by the school administrator. • Schools may also establish other exceptions that are relevant to their campus. For example, a high school may allow students to use their smartphones when they are on a college campus as part of a dual enrollment agreement. Note: Extracurricular trips are considered therefore, smartphones should be stored in the designated product unless the principal/teacher authorizes its use. All exceptions must be approved by the school principal. V. STAFF RESPONSIBILITY WHEN TAKING POSSSTUDENT’S SMARTPHONE OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES An employee who is acting within the scope of their work duties, in this case, enforcing the school’s Smartphone-Free School Day policy, is not devices are lost, stolen, or damaged. Should the parent/guardian or the smartphone or electronic signaling device, they would be advised to follow up with Risk Management to file a claim at (213) 241-3139. BUL-162511 Page 6 of 6 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations personal property of students and the property is placed in a secured and locked location. A log noting an accurate description of the device should be maintained. Access should be limited to an administrator or designee. RELATED RESOURCES: Supporting Student Mental Health and Learning by Ensuring a Phone-Free School Day (Res-035-23/24) ATTACHMENTS Attachment B – Request for Smartphone English Learner Accommodation Attachment B1 – Request for Smartphone English Learner Accommodation – Spanish Attachment C – Request for Smartphone Medical Exemption Accommodation Attachment C1 – Request for Smartphone Medical Exemption Accommodation – Spanish Attachment D – Request for Smartphone for Students in Out of Home Foster Care Accommodation Attachment D1 – Request for Smartphone for Students in Out of Home Foster Care Accommodation – Spanish ASSISTANCE: Operations or the Division of School Operations at (213) 241-5337. BUL-162511 Page 1 of 1 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations ATTACHMENT A Confiscated Devices Log – Optional Student Name: Grade: Date: Confiscated by (Name): Time: Given to (Name): Position:  Smartphone  Smart Watch  Smart Glasses  Wireless Headphones  Other: ___________________________________________________________________ Device Description/Serial Number: _______________________________________________ Released by (Name): ______________________ Date: ________________ Time: ________ Received by:  Student  Parent (Name): ____________________________________  Other (Name): ______________________ Signature: _________________ Date: ______ Notes: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________  Smartphone  Smart Watch  Smart Glasses  Wireless Headphones  Other: ___________________________________________________________________ Device Description/Serial Number: _______________________________________________ Released by (Name): ______________________ Date: ________________ Time: ________ Received by:  Student  Parent (Name): ____________________________________  Other (Name): ______________________ Signature: _________________ Date: ______ Notes: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ BUL-162511 Page 1 of 1 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations ATTACHMENT B Request for Smartphone Accommodation English Learner Student REQUEST CELL PHONE ACCOMMODATION: I am requesting permission for my child to use the cell phone for translation purposes. I agree with the following: • The teacher(s) will implement a reasonable time limit (e.g., 1-2 minutes) for translations to ensure it doesn’t disrupt class time, • The teacher(s) will observe how often my child uses the cell phone for translation and provide assistance, if needed, especially when struggling with language barriers, • The cell phone can be used during specific class activities or when encountering difficult vocabulary but will be restricted during exams or group discussions to maintain engagement. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BUL-162511 Page 1 of 1 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations ADJUNTO B1 Solicitud de Approvación para el uso del teléfono celular Estudiante de Inglés SOLICITUD DE APROBACIÓN PARA EL USO DEL TELÉFONO CELULAR: Solicito permiso para que a mi hijo(a) se le permita usar el teléfono celular para fines de traducción. Yo estoy de acuerdo con lo siguiente: • Los maestros implementarán un límite de tiempo razonable (por ejemplo, 1-2 minutos) para las traducciones para garantizar que no interrumpa el tiempo de clase; • Los maestros observarán la frecuencia con la que mi hijo(a) usa el teléfono para traducir y brindarán asistencia si es necesario, especialmente cuando tenga dificultades con las barreras del idioma; • El teléfono celular se puede usar durante actividades específicas de clase o cuando se encuentre vocabulario difícil, pero debe restringirse durante exámenes o discusiones grupales para mantener la participación. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BUL-162511 Page 1 of 2 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations ATTACHMENT C Request for Medical Exemption Student Cell Phone/Electronic Device In general, students are not permitted to possess/use a personal cell phone or electronic device powered on during the school day/bell schedule hours. If you feel that your child needs to have access to their personal cell phone or electronic device for their health or well-being, please complete and return this form to the school nurse for review Acknowledgment/Release: By my signature, I authorize the release and exchange of medical information between the medical provider(s) listed on this form or his/her designee and school personnel. My signature provides the medical provider(s) with the authorization necessary to disclose protected health information and records regarding said student. This authorization may be withdrawn at any time in writing and, if withdrawn, may affect the status of the request. Please note: This form, including parental permission to contact the treating medical provider, must be fully completed in order for the student to be considered for this exemption request. BUL-162511 Page 2 of 2 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations ATTACHMENT C medical provider below. Parent Signature: Date: I understand that completion of this application does not constitute or guarantee any exemption to Los Angeles Unified School District Cell Phone Policy. I acknowledge that if my exemption is approved, I will be permitted to use my personal electronic device as indicated by the medical provider below. Student Signature: Date: This section is to be completed by a medical provider (California Licensed MD / DO / NP / PA) providing medical care for the condition: Explain exactly what activities you expect the student to need a cell phone/electronic device for during the school day that is necessary for the health or well-being of the student: ***************************************************************************************************************** Form submission received and acknowledged School Nurse Signature: Date: Once acknowledged, please provide a copy of this form to the school principal, the student’s teacher, and the parent/legal guardian. File the original in the student’s health record card. BUL-162511 Page 1 of 2 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations ADJUNTO C1 SOLICITUD DE EXENCIÓN MÉDICA Teléfono Celular/Dispositivo Electrónico del Estudiante En general, no se permite que los estudiantes posean o utilicen un teléfono celular o dispositivo electrónico personal encendido durante el horario escolar o el horario de clases. Si considera que su hijo necesita tener acceso a su teléfono celular o dispositivo electrónico personal para su salud o bienestar, complete y devuelva este formulario a la enfermera de la escuela para su revisión. Nombre de la Proveedor médico (MD / DO / NP / PA con licencia en California) Reconocimiento y Divulgación: Con mi firma, autorizo la divulgación e intercambio de información médica entre el proveedor(es) médico(s) que figuran en este formulario o su designado(s) y el personal de la escuela. Mi firma proporciona al proveedor(es) médico(s) la autorización necesaria para divulgar información médica protegida y los registros relacionados con dicho estudiante. Esta autorización puede ser revocada en cualquier momento por escrito y, si se revoca, puede afectar el estado de la solicitud. Tenga en cuenta: Este formulario, incluido el permiso de los padres para comunicarse con el proveedor médico tratante, debe completarse en su totalidad para que el estudiante sea considerado para esta solicitud de exención. BUL-162511 Page 2 of 2 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations ADJUNTO C1 Yo/nosotros (padre/tutor) solicito permiso para una exención para el uso del teléfono celular/dispositivo electrónico____________________________ (nombre del estudiante). Si se aprueba, entendemos que indicado por el proveedor médico a continuación. Firma del padre: Fecha: Entiendo que el completar esta solicitud no constituye ni garantiza ninguna exención a la Política de teléfonos celulares del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles. Reconozco que, si se aprueba la exención, se me permitirá utilizar mi dispositivo electrónico personal según lo indicado por el proveedor médico a continuación. Firma del estudiante: Fecha: Esta sección debe ser completada por un proveedor médico (MD / DO / NP / PA con licencia de California) que brinde atención médica para la condición: Explique exactamente para qué actividades se espera que el estudiante necesite el teléfono celular/dispositivo electrónico durante el día escolar que sea necesario para la salud o el bienestar del estudiante: ***************************************************************************************************************** Envío del formulario recibido y confirmado Firma de la enfermera escolar: Fecha: Una vez que se haya recibido la confirmación, proporcione una copia de este formulario al director de la escuela, al maestro del estudiante y al padre/tutor legal. Guarde el original en la tarjeta de registro de salud del estudiante. BUL-162511 Page 1 of 1 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations ATTACHMENT D Request for Approval for Smartphone Accommodation Students in Out of Home Foster Care REQUEST FOR SMARTPHONE ACCOMMODATION: As a caregiver for a student in out of home foster care, I am requesting permission for them to access their personal cell phone or electronic device during the school day. This access will allow them to contact caregivers to cancel or reschedule rides with HopSkipDrive (HSD), per the cancellation policy. I agree with the following: • The teacher(s) will allow a reasonable time frame (e.g., 1-2 minutes) for the student to access their cell phone or electronic device to contact a caregiver to cancel or reschedule a ride with HSD. The teacher(s) will determine a time to make the call that is the least disruptive to the class time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BUL-162511 Página 1 del 1 February 10, 2025 Division of School Operations ADJUNTO D1 Solicitud para la aprobación de la adaptación del use de teléfonos celulares Estudiantes en Adopción Temporal Fuera del Hogar SOLICITUD PARA LA ADAPTACIÓN DE TELÉFONOS INTELIGENTES: Como encargado del cuidado de un estudiante en adopción temporal fuera del hogar, estoy solicitando permiso para que mi estudiante pueda acceder a su teléfono celular o dispositivo electrónico personal durante el día escolar. Este acceso le permitirá contactar a los encargados de su cuidado para cancelar o reprogramar servicios de transporte con HopSkipDrive (HSD), según su política de cancelación. Estoy de acuerdo con lo siguiente: • El/los maestro(s) permitirá(n) un plazo razonable (por ejemplo: 1-2 minutos) para que el estudiante acceda a su teléfono celular o dispositivo electrónico y se comunique con el encargado de su cuidado para cancelar o reprogramar el servicio de transporte con HopSkipDrive (HSD). El/los maestro(s) determinará(n) la hora de la llamada que menos perturbe el desarrollo de la clase. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------