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JFCEB-AR: Request for Personal Electronic Devices Exception

JFCEB — Personal Electronic Devices

Silver Falls School District 4J
Code: JFCEB
Adopted: 5/09/05
Revised/Readopted: 1/11/10; 11/10/14; 5/14/18; 10/10/25

Personal Electronic Devices**

Student use of a personal electronic device is prohibited from the start of regular instructional hours until the end of regular instructional hours, except as provided below. Personal electronic devices can be used when students are not on school grounds and are not under the supervision of school personnel (other than a school bus driver)¹.

Except as otherwise provided in this policy, “personal electronic device” means any portable, electrically powered device that is capable of making and receiving calls and text messages and accessing the internet independently from the school’s network infrastructure.² This includes headphones and earbuds attached to personal electronic devices. This does not include a laptop computer or other device required to support academic activities.

Personal electronic devices may be used when use complies with the terms of:

1. The student’s medical provider’s order for the care and treatment of a medical condition;³
2. The student’s individualized education program, as defined in ORS 343.035 or an education plan developed for the student in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794);⁴
3. A written exemption provided for the student based on a request received in JFCEB-AR. School administration will respond to such a request within [ten] school days.⁵ Exemption requests for the use of personal electronic devices may only be considered for purposes that support academic activities or independent communications.⁶

Personal electronic devices shall be turned off and out of sight, and may be kept by students in lockers or backpacks, or may be stored on the student’s person but may not be used during regular instructional hours.

Students in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Discipline for mere possession or use of a personal electronic device may not include loss of instructional time for the student (including suspension or expulsion), but could include [detention, Saturday school, a change to storage requirements, etc.]⁷. However, if the actions taken by a student violate another conduct policy, the student may be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion.⁸ Steps may include:

1. First instance of Noncompliance: The device will be temporarily confiscated by staff and held at the front office for pick up by the student at the end of the school day. The student’s parent or guardian will be notified of the infraction;
2. Second Instance of Noncompliance: The device will again be temporarily confiscated, the student’s parent or guardian will be notified, and the parent or guardian must pick up the device from the main office at the end of the school day;
3. Third Instance of Noncompliance and Beyond: The device will be confiscated, the parent or guardian will be notified, and the student will be placed on a technology plan for two weeks, which will require the device to be checked-in and kept in the main office from before the start and until the end of the school day. Further instances of noncompliance may also result in other discipline in accordance with district policy JFC and this policy. Necessary communications during the school day while on school grounds between students and parents or guardians can be made through the school office.

The superintendent or designee shall ensure this policy is posted on the district website and made available to district personnel, students, parents, guardians, partners who are in school buildings during the school day, and the Oregon Department of Education.

In accordance with ORS 336.840, students may be allowed to use personal electronic devices⁹ that support academic activities and independent communications, except as prohibited by this policy. In academic activities in which a personal electronic device is required as part of the curriculum, students may be allowed, but not required to use their own personal electronic devices for that portion of the curriculum. Students using their own device must be granted access to any applications or electronic materials that are available to students who do not use their own personal electronic devices. These applications must be free of charge if students who do not use their own devices have access free of charge.

Requests for exemptions to this policy can be processed in accordance with JFCEB-AR, Request for Personal Electronic Devices Exemption. Appeals can be filed in accordance with KL-AR(1) – Public Complaint Procedure.

The taking, disseminating, transferring or sharing of obscene, pornographic or otherwise illegal images or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, sexting, emailing, etc.) may constitute a crime under state and/or federal law. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring or sharing obscene, pornographic or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be reported to law enforcement and/or other appropriate state or federal agencies.

This policy takes effect on October 31, 2025.

Legal Reference(s):

ORS 332.107
ORS 336.840
Oregon Executive Order 25-09