For the 2022-2023 school year, a large number of school infractions were due to electronic device use (cell phones) within the classroom. According to the Lee County School District Code of Conduct, Use of Electronic/Telecommunication Devices is the “display or use of a personal electronic or telecommunication device during school hours.” The Code of Conduct also states that “High School usage is allowed only during non-instructional time or for an approved activity.” Electronic/Telecommunication Devices includes but is not limited to: personal computer, cell phone, iPod, headphones, earbuds, and smart watches.
Our main goal within the classrooms at Estero High School is to keep the focus on academics. Due to an overwhelming amount of classroom referrals being Electronic/Telecommunication device referrals, 39.5% of total referrals for the 2020-2021 school year, Estero High School enacted a new Electronic/Telecommunication Device policy within the classroom. Due to this policy, Electronic/Telecommunication device referrals totaled 2.95% of the referrals in the 2021-2022 school year. We did see an uptick in Cell Phone violations in the 2022-2023 School year with 4.40% of our referrals being electronic device related.
- Upon entering the classroom, students should get class materials out and place bags (backpacks, purses, etc.) in the front of the classroom or area away from student desks designated by the teacher. Student bags are to remain in the front of the classroom or designated area for the duration of the class period.
- If a student leaves the classroom for a reason other than lunch or dismissal, they are not permitted to retrieve their cell phone from their backpack.
If students are found to be in possession of an Electronic/Telecommunication Device during an instructional class period, the following steps may be taken for student discipline:
Cell Phone Policy
1st Offense: Warning by teacher.
2nd Offense: Student will be sent to ISS to turn in device where it will be secured by Security. Parent/Guardian will be notified. Returned to student at end of day.
3rd Offense: Student will be sent to ISS to turn in device where it will be secured by Security. Parent/Guardian will be notified and requested to come pick up cell phone.
4th Offense: Parent Meeting will be scheduled with student and family. Student will be placed on cell phone contract if behavior continues.
5th + Offense: Student will be placed on cell phone contract.
*Refusal to turn in electronics to security/student services will result in student being picked up from school by parent/guardian.
*Students may be placed on a cell phone contract if behavior continues.
As we continue to strive for academic excellence, we are hopeful that parents and students alike will assist us in achieving our goal of keeping the classroom setting driven by academic instruction.
We sincerely thank you for your support in this endeavor,
Wildcat Faculty and Staff