CELL PHONE POLICY

Keystone Local School District: Cell Phone Use Policy
In accordance with Ohio House Bill 250, Keystone Local School District is committed to fostering
an educational environment that minimizes distractions and promotes student well-being. To
this end, the use of cell phones by students during school hours is subject to the following
guidelines:

General Guidelines
• Prohibited Use: Students are prohibited from using cell phones during school hours unless
explicitly
authorized by school personnel for educational purposes.
• Storage: Cell phones must be turned off and stored securely in the student's locker, a closed
backpack, or a district-provided storage device during school hours.
• Exceptions:
o Use of a cell phone is permitted if documented in the student's Individualized Education
Program (IEP) or a Section 504 Plan.
o Students may use cell phones to monitor or address a health concern, as part of a Health Care
Plan and approved by school administration.
Progressive Discipline for Policy Violations

To support a productive and respectful learning environment, the district has established
expectations regarding appropriate cell phone use during the school day. Each school will
implement progressive disciplinary measures in response to unauthorized use. While the
following steps outline possible responses, final decisions regarding consequences will be at the
discretion of the building administration, based on the context of each incident and in
alignment with the district’s Code of Conduct.

Possible disciplinary actions may include:
1. First Offense:
a. Cell phone may be confiscated and held in the main office until the end of the school day.
b. Student may retrieve the phone at dismissal.
2. Second Offense:
a. Cell phone may be confiscated and held in the main office until the end of the school day.
b. A parent or guardian may be required to pick up the phone.
c. A conference or warning may be issued.
3. Subsequent Offenses:
a. Additional consequences may include detention, loss of privileges, Saturday school, or other
interventions deemed appropriate.
b. Continued violations may result in further disciplinary actions in accordance with the
district's Code of Conduct.
Note: Building administrators retain the authority to adjust disciplinary responses as needed
based on the frequency or severity of the behavior.

Parental Support
We encourage parents and guardians to support this policy by discussing appropriate cell
phone use with their children and reinforcing the importance of minimizing distractions during
school hours.