Policies and Regulations → Section C → CO → School Visitors, Trespassers and Disorders on MCPS Property

COG-RA, Personal Mobile Devices

Purpose

MCPS Regulation COG-RA, Personal Mobile Devices, underscores MCPS's commitment to fostering a focused and productive learning environment while acknowledging the role of technology.  The regulation seeks to create a learning environment that balances the benefits of technology with the need to minimize distractions and promote focused learning and classroom engagement.

Key aspects of the regulation include:

• Before and After School: Students in all grade levels may use their personal mobile devices before the school day begins and after it ends.
• Elementary and Middle Schools: During the school day—including class time, lunch and transitions between periods—students will need to keep their personal devices turned off and stored away.
• High Schools: High school students may use their personal devices during lunch and between classes, but not during instructional time.
• On School Buses: Students are permitted to use their devices while riding MCPS buses.
• Student Responsibility: Students are expected to manage their devices responsibly, making sure they are turned off and out of sight when use is not permitted.
• Discipline and Expectations: If a student misuses their device, consequences will follow a progressive approach outlined in the updated Student Code of Conduct, which will be released in the summer, and focuses on education and accountability. Updates to the MCPS Student Code of Conduct will clarify and re-establish expectations for student behavior.  Principals have the authority to allow limited cell phone use during class time if the use supports instruction.
• Medical and Learning Accommodations: Students will continue to have access as documented in the 504 or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that allows for personal mobile device use.

COG-RA, Personal Mobile Devices

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