Personally Owned Electronic Devices

Personal electronic devices have evolved to include much more than cell phones. In Lower School, personal electronic devices can also include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets and e-readers. As the devices themselves have evolved, the use of electronic devices in Lower School has also evolved. In general, electronic devices are only to be used for school work when given permission by a responsible teacher or supervising adult. During the school day (including Early Morning Care, Enrichment and the After-School Program), permission is usually given by a teacher and is subject to the guidelines below. Families should consider the following guidelines when considering allowing a child to bring in a device.

E-Readers (i.e. Nooks, Kindles, iPads, etc.)

• Families are responsible for the safety and security of any E-Reader sent into school. Penn Charter is not responsible for any loss or damage.

• Students must have their “free reading” book on their e-reader and must bring in the appropriate power adapter so that the device can be charged, if needed.

• On campus, e-readers may not connect to the PC Network or the Internet.

• Students may not use any app, other than their e-reader app, without teacher permission.

Cell Phones

• Families are responsible for the safety and security of any cell phone sent into school. Penn Charter is not responsible for any loss or damage.

• Students may only use their cell phones during the school day (including Early Morning Care, Enrichment and the After-School Program) with permission from a teacher,

• Cell phones must be set to vibrate and students may not answer any calls at any time during the school day.

• Students may only make phone calls when given specific permission by a teacher.

• Students may not read and/or send e-mail or text messages from either personal or school accounts during the school day.

• Permission to use an electronic device does not include permission to take pictures or videos, unless specific permission is given by the supervising teacher. Further, students may only post photos and videos taken at school, or at school-related activities, on school-approved sites, and only then at the direction of the supervising teacher. Students posting photos and videos on non-school approved sites will be subject to loss of Penn Charter technology privileges and possible disciplinary action.

• Students may not take any photos or videos at any time, for any reason, while in transit to/from school on school-provided transportation.