CELL PHONE POLICY- Addendum to BES Handbook
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, due to WV State Code 18-2-46, students are prohibited from using personal electronic devices during the school day or in any classroom or instructional setting. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and gaming devices not issued by the school. Any other device powered by electricity (or battery) that has the potential to cause distractions from and/or interruptions to the daily educational process is subject to this policy.
· It is recommended that students leave all personal electronic devices at home.
· Belmont Elementary School/Pleasants County Schools are not responsible for damage, theft, or loss of personal electronic devices brought to school. Our goal remains to foster a focused and respectful learning environment by reducing distractions and promoting well-being. To ensure an appropriate and effective school setting, communication and electronic devices should not disrupt the daily educational process.
· The only devices (not provided by the school) that will be allowed during school hours are those that are deemed to be medically necessary by a student’s IEP or 504 team.
· If a student must bring a device to school, it will stay in their locker during school hours.
· If a student has a device with them during school hours, the consequences will be as follows:
o 1st offense – device will be confiscated and kept in the office until a parent/guardian picks it up and conferences with the principal.
o 2nd offense – device confiscated, parent conference, plus lunch detention
o 3rd offense – device confiscated, parent conference, plus In-School Suspension
o 4th offense or more will follow state policy for habitual violation of school policy
· If you need to communicate with your child, parents, or guardians, you should call the school office. We will arrange for you to speak directly to your child upon your request from the office area. Students may come to the office and ask to call a parent if needed.
· The Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) will review this policy at our first quarterly meeting each year to review policy implementation and recommend improvements.
· This policy is in accordance with Pleasants County BOE Policy 8017 and West Virginia Code §- 2 – 46; WV House Bill 2003-2025(RS)