As a new school year begins, we want to make you aware of our telecommunications policy at Harpool. Because we are in the business of education, best practices on how to keep students engaged and learning is always at the forefront of our thinking. We believe that for students to learn best, their cell phones and other telecommunication devices should not be in use during the school day.

Telecommunication devices are defined as devices that allow for electronic communications and the electronic exchange of data and information including voice, data, and video. Examples include, but are not limited to, computers, cell phones, smart phones, telephones, mobile devices, wireless devices, tablets, smart watches, laptops or any other electronic devices and related accessories (including, but not limited to wires, headphones/airpods, and ear buds) that transmits, receives, or stores digital media.

Studies have shown that students who are free from the distraction of a smartphone or similar device  are more engaged as learners and more present in social situations with peers. For this reason, the law states that students must keep communication devices off and in their backpacks for the duration of the school day. Since students will have access to Chromebooks, there is not a need for students to bring their own devices to class for internet use.
Should you need to communicate with your student during the school day, you may always call the office and we can relay any urgent messages to your student. Likewise, students may use the phone in the front office to call home if need be (again urgent situations only).

As with any policy, we will clearly communicate expectations to students. However, if students choose to not follow the expectation of keeping their cell phone put away during the school day, it will be confiscated and turned in to the front desk to be picked up after school. DISD has adopted the following regarding the use of devices at school:

Student Cell Phones:

Personal Electronic Device Policy

To support a focused learning environment, personal electronic/communication devices (such as cell phones, and smartwatches) are not allowed to be used during the instructional day.
Middle School instructional day: 8:15 a.m.–3:35 p.m.
If a device is seen or heard during this time, the following consequences will apply:

First Offense

• The device will be taken by an administrator.
• The student may pick up the device at the end of the school day (after dismissal) from the office.

Second Offense

• The device will be taken by an administrator.
• A detention will be assigned (lunch, before school, or after school).
• The parent must pick up the device after dismissal from the office.
• The student must complete a Behavior Contract to show understanding of the policy and agreement to follow it in the future.

Third Offense

•  The device will be taken by an administrator.
• The student will receive In-School Suspension (ISS).
• The parent must pick up the device after dismissal from the office.
• A conference with the administrator, parent, and student will be required. The campus may keep the device until the meeting takes place.

Fourth Offense (and any after that)

• The student will receive 3 or more days of ISS, Out-of-School Suspension (OSS), or placement in a DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program).
• The device will be taken by an administrator and the parent must pick it up after dismissal from the office.
• A conference with the administrator, parent, and student will be required. The campus may keep the device until the meeting takes place.