Anthony Vladu Ed.D., Division Superintendent
Gloucester County Public Schools
The Thomas Calhoun Walker Education Center
6099 T.C. Walker Road
Gloucester, Virginia 23061
804-693-1425 (O)
[email protected]
Date: Monday, August 19, 2024
Subject: Cellphones
The standing Gloucester County Public Schools School Board Policy prohibits the use of cell phones (and all other personal electronic devices including (headphones, earbuds, smart watches, and other Bluetooth-enabling devices) during the school day. Students may possess cell phones or portable communication devices. Devices should not be visible and should not interfere with the instructional program or school activity. Devices must remain off during the school day or school related activity (this includes the school bus) unless authorized by an appropriate school staff member for an instructional purpose or if it is otherwise deemed necessary. GCPS will not be responsible for any lost, confiscated or damaged devices as students assume all responsibility by bringing devices on school property.
In accordance with Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 33, Gloucester County Public Schools has adopted “cell phone-free education.” Effective Monday, August 26, 2024, the use of cell phones, electronic communication devices, headphones, earbuds, smart watches, and or any other Bluetooth enabling device will be strictly prohibited. The Executive Order applies to students while in the school building during instructional times and at all times while on the school bus.
1. In-Class Use:
· Devices should be turned off, not be visible, and not interfere with the instructional program or school activity.
2. Hallway Transition:
· Devices should be turned off, not be visible or in use.
3. Lunch Room:
· Devices should be turned off, not be visible or in use.
4. Consequences for Violation:
· First Offense:
o Personal electronic device(s) will be collected and secured in the front office.
o Parent/Guardian notified.
o Student can pick the phone up at the end of the day.
· Second Offense:
o Personal electronic devices will be collected and secured in the front office.
o Parent/Guardian notified.
o Parent/Guardian must pick up the personal electronic device(s) at the end of the day.
· Third Offense:
o Personal electronic device(s) will be collected and secured in the front office.
o Student will receive an incident referral and serve an in-school consequence (such as detention or loss of privilege).
o Parent/Guardian will pick up the personal electronic device(s) at the end of the day.
· Subsequence Offenses:
o Personal electronic device(s) will be confiscated and locked in a secure area.
o Student will be issued additional consequences for repeated offense violations in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
o Parent/Guardian notified.
o Parent/Guardian will pick up the personal electronic device(s) at the end of the day.
o Parent/Guardian meeting is required.
Reference EO 33 below
Student Code of Conduct
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lOAOEpWtDOOv4K3H1ru3tQmbLmpMCYPn
Sincerely,
Tony Vladu
District Superintendent