I.    PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to set forth expectations for appropriate use of existing and emerging technologies which students may possess, including but not limited to cellular phones and other personal electronic devices capable of recording and/or transmitting data or images.

II.    GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

The Minnetonka School District holds high expectations for student behavior, academic integrity and responsible use of technology. Students who possess and/or use technology devices at school, on school buses or school sponsored events shall demonstrate the greatest respect for the educational environment and the rights and privacy of all individuals within the school community. State laws provide employees and students with certain privacy rights. Students' actions during the school day, in class and at school, are considered private under state and federal laws and shall not be recorded or shared without consent of the individual.

III.    STANDARDS FOR RESPONSIBLE USE AT SCHOOL, ON BUSES OR AT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

1. Respect for the Educational Environment:
   1. The District provides appropriate technology devices for learning when specific devices are required. Teachers may also permit, but not require, students to use personal electronic devices in support of learning, at the discretion of the teacher or other school staff.
   2. Cellular phones and other personal electronic devices shall remain silent and be kept out of sight during instructional time, unless specifically allowed by the teacher or other school staff.
   3. Students shall not use any electronic device that in any way disrupts or detracts from the educational environment or for inappropriate, unethical or illegal purposes, including but not limited to, transmission or viewing of inappropriate or pornographic material, violations of others' privacy rights, cheating, harassing or bullying behavior. Accessing inappropriate material in school, on a school bus, or at a school activity will result in disciplinary action, even if such access is accidental. Parents are encouraged to monitor and/or restrict cellular internet access for students.
   4. Cellular phones and other devices may be used appropriately and respectfully before and after each class or in approved common areas throughout the day.
       
2. Respect for Privacy Rights:
   1. Students shall not record, photograph or video other students or school employees on school property, on a school bus or at school-sponsored activities without their knowledge and consent, except for activities considered to be in the public arena (e.g. sporting events, public meetings, academic competitions or public performances). School social events, activities sponsored by student clubs, team building retreats, and activities that take place during the school day are not considered to be in the public arena.
   2. Students shall not e-mail, text, post to the internet or social media, or otherwise electronically transmit images of other individuals taken at school without their expressed consent.
   3. Recording, photographing, or making video of others is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, dressing rooms, health offices and restrooms, where individuals have every expectation of privacy.
       
3. Assuring Academic Integrity: Students shall not use cellular phones, iPads or other electronic devices in any way that may cause a teacher or staff member to question whether the student may be cheating on tests or academic work or violating copyright policy.
   
   Students are advised that the use of any audible transmission through any cellular or electronic device during certain testing events (including but not limited to ACT, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams) will result in the student being removed from the room and immediate cancellation of the exam.
    
4. Compliance with Other District Policies: Use of cellular phones or other personal electronic devices must not violate any other District policies, including those regarding student privacy, copyright, cheating, plagiarism, civility, student code of conduct, electronic technologies acceptable use, or harassment. If a violation occurs involving more than one District policy, consequences for each policy may apply.
    
5. Responsibility for Personal Property:
   1. Students who choose to bring a personal device to school assume all responsibility and risks relating to the possession and use of personal devices, including internet access and data transmission.
   2. Parents are advised that cellular devices are not subject to the District's internet filters and responsibility for ensuring appropriate access to the internet rests with the individual student and family.
   3. District employees will not be responsible for storing, safeguarding or troubleshooting any student's personal electronic devices.
   4. Neither the District nor its employees will be responsible or liable for the theft, loss, data loss, damage, destruction, misuse, or vandalism of any student personal electronic device brought into the District or on school property or on school buses.

IV.    VIOLATIONS OF THIS POLICY

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions as defined by the Student Code of Conduct. Multiple violations and/or illegal or unethical use of a personal electronic device may result in a parent notification, a behavior contract, multi-day suspension, expulsion, and/or prosecution. A severe infraction, including but not limited to creating, transmitting or viewing inappropriate or pornographic material, violating of others' privacy rights, cheating, or harassing or bullying behavior using a technology device, may result in immediate suspension and/or expulsion from school and/or prosecution.

V.    DISSEMINATION OF POLICY

This policy shall be included in the Student/Parent Handbook, posted to the District website and otherwise distributed upon request.