Definitions

Instructional Day. Instructional time refers to the period between the first and final bell of the school day when students are expected to be engaged in academic activities under school supervision. This includes classroom instruction, transitions, lunch, and any other time not designated as open device use by school leadership.

Wireless Communication Device (WCD). A wireless communication device is any electronic device capable of transmitting or receiving voice, text, image, or data signals through wireless means. This includes, but is not limited to, cellphones, laptops, iPads, pagers, gaming devices, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular capabilities.

Storage. Storage refers to the secure placement of a student’s wireless communication device in a district-approved location or container that prevents access and use during instructional time. Devices must not be kept on the student’s person (e.g., in clothing or pockets) but may be stored in backpacks or other approved storage solutions as designated by the district.

Instructional Use. Instructional use refers to the use of a wireless communication device under the direct supervision of a certified staff member for a specific, approved academic purpose. This may include accessing educational content, participating in digital learning activities, or using tools or apps directly related to the lesson objectives. Use must be clearly connected to instruction and authorized by the teacher or school administrator.

Emergency: A situation that requires immediate communication for health, safety, or personal reasons, determined by the school administration.

Social Media: Social media should be defined as websites and applications where users can create and share content or participate in social networking (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitter(X), TikTok, etc.).

Certified Staff Member: Refers to PCS Board employees who hold certificates or comparable forms of licensure issued by the State Superintendent of Education under the authority of ALA. CODE §16-23-1 (1975). This includes but is not limited to roles such as classroom teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, and administrators.

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Technology Use Policy

I. Purpose

This Internet Safety Policy is adopted in compliance with the Alabama FOCUS Act and reflects Phenix City Schools’ commitment to student safety, digital citizenship, and equitable access to safe and effective technology for learning.

II. Internet and Network Use

All students, staff, and users of the PCS network are expected to follow the district’s Responsible Use Policy. The district shall maintain technology protection measures that block or filter access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. Students are prohibited from attempting to disable or circumvent content filters.

III. Digital Citizenship Education

Students will receive regular instruction in responsible and appropriate online behavior, including:

• Respectful online communication and etiquette
• Safe use of social media and email
• Recognizing and reporting cyberbullying, harassment, or other harmful online conduct

IV. Monitoring and Enforcement

Internet activity is actively monitored through content filtering systems and administrative supervision. Students are prohibited from bypassing or disabling safety measures. While Phenix City Schools employs advanced filtering tools to restrict access to non-instructional content, including social media platforms, no system can guarantee complete restriction. Students are expected to comply with all usage expectations, including refraining from accessing social media during instructional time unless explicitly authorized by a certified staff member. Violations of this policy will be addressed according to the PCS Code of Conduct.

V. Staff and Community Involvement

The Internet Safety Policy will be reviewed annually with input from staff, families, school-based leadership, and IT administrators. Beginning June 2026, PCS will administer anonymous staff surveys to assess implementation effectiveness and inform policy revisions.

VI. Communication and Accessibility

This policy will be shared annually with students, staff, and families through district communication channels. It will be posted on the PCS website and translated into multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders.

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Wireless Communications Device Use

I. Purpose

To foster a focused, safe, and equitable learning environment by limiting student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time, in accordance with the Alabama FOCUS Act (SB92).

II. Student Expectations

Students are expected to be fully engaged in learning during the school day without the distraction of personal wireless communication devices. To support a safe and focused learning environment, student use of these devices is prohibited during instructional time unless specifically permitted under limited exceptions. This policy outlines when devices may be used, how they must be stored, and the shared responsibility for ensuring compliance.

1. Prohibited Use: Students may not use wireless communication devices during instructional time unless expressly authorized for instructional purposes by a certified staff member. This includes accessing applications or platforms not authorized for instructional use. Students are expected to refrain from accessing social media during instructional time unless explicitly directed to do so by a certified staff member for educational purposes.
2. Storage Requirement:
   • Upon arrival, devices must be turned off and stored in a district-approved manner (e.g., backpack, locked pouch).
   • Devices may not be kept in clothing or on the student’s person.
   • Devices must remain stored until the end of the instructional day unless otherwise directed by a certified staff member. 
3. Permitted Use (Limited Exceptions):
   • Documented medical needs (per Health Plan)
   • IEP or Section 504 Plan accommodations
   • Emergency situations, as determined by school staff
   • Direct instructional use approved by a teacher or administrator

Emergency Situations and Schedule Changes

While personal wireless devices are restricted during instructional hours, Phenix City Schools recognizes the necessity for timely communication in emergencies or unforeseen schedule changes.

• Parent/Guardian Communication: In situations requiring immediate contact, parents or guardians should reach out to the school's main office. School staff will ensure that messages are promptly delivered to students.
   
• Student-Initiated Contact: If a student needs to communicate with their parent or guardian during the school day, they should inform a teacher or school staff member. Designated school phones are available for student use in such circumstances.
   
• School-Wide Emergencies: In events like lockdowns or evacuations, the district will utilize established communication channels—including automated calls, texts, emails, and updates on official websites and social media platforms—to keep families informed.

These procedures ensure that essential communications occur without compromising the learning environment.

Students in Off-Campus Programs

Students who leave campus during the instructional day to participate in dual enrollment, career technical training, or work-based learning are expected to follow the wireless device policies of their off-site program or institution.

• Devices may be used during travel or off-campus instructional time only if permitted by the partner institution or program supervisor.
   
• Upon returning to campus, students must adhere to PCS storage and use guidelines, including storing the device appropriately and refraining from use during instructional time.
   
• School administrators will coordinate with program providers to ensure consistency in expectations and enforcement, where possible.

 

Consequences for Violations

Violations of the Wireless Communication Device Policy will be addressed in accordance with the Phenix City Schools Code of Student Conduct. Disciplinary actions will be based on the severity and frequency of the violation and may range from a warning or device confiscation to more serious consequences for repeated or disruptive behavior.

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All violations will be categorized and handled using existing Class I, II, or III disciplinary guidelines, with consequences assigned at the discretion of the school administrator. These consequences may include parent notification, temporary loss of device privileges, suspension, or other actions as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Board Approved on June 12, 2025