We all know how easy it is to let our cell phones and other electronic devices become a distraction. Marion Community Schools is asking for the support of our staff, students, and families to renew our commitment to provide a focused environment for teaching and learning.
MCS has updated our policies regarding use of personal wireless devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, and other similar devices during the school day. (This update aligns with with recently updated state law, IC 20-26-5-40.7)
It is important to note: Anyone who chooses to bring personal wireless devices onto school property is personally and solely responsible for the care and security of any such devices. Marion Community Schools and the Board of School Trustees assume no responsibility for theft, loss, damage, unauthorized use or misuse of personal devices brought onto school property.
Guidelines for students
Students may possess, but not use, such devices during school hours unless directed to do so by a teacher. Devices must be powered off and stored away in lockers or backpacks/bags.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. Use that would not violate this policy includes: use permitted by teacher; use during an emergency; use to manage a medical condition or as part of an IEP; use for language translation; limited audio recording - see Board Policy 5501 for details (linked below).
Headphones being used for noise cancelling or to connect to a school-supplied or school-sanctioned device would not be included in the category of prohibited personal wireless device. However, headphones should not be connected to a personal wireless device during the school day, unless permission has been granted for educational use.
Students who do not follow this policy may have items confiscated and could also be subjected to additional disciplinary consequences - see Board Policy 5501 for details (linked below).
Related reminder for families
Marion Community Schools reminds parents/guardians that if they need to reach their student during the school day in an urgent or emergency situation, the best option is to call the school office. In addition, students may request to use the phone in the school office to reach their parents in an urgent situation.
Guidelines for staff
MCS expects employees to refrain during school hours from the use of cellular or electronic devices in ways that may distract themselves or others from teaching and learning.
Any staffer with a school-supplied electronic device should prioritize work tasks on such devices during school hours. Personal business should in general not be conducted during class time, or while an employee is responsible for the supervision of students. Use of personal wireless electronic devices for personal business should be confined to an employee’s defined break periods.
Again, there are limited exceptions to this rule. Use that would not violate this policy includes: use in support of educational purposes; use during an emergency; use to manage a medical condition; use for language translation; limited audio recording - see Board Policy 3501/4501 for details (linked below).
Use of school-supplied devices
Marion Community Schools MCS may provide mobile technology (laptops, tablets, iPads) to staff members and/or students to be used at school and off MCS property. The purpose of such mobile technology is to provide opportunities for collaboration within the school corporation and to provide tools to work at home on school-related materials. The corporation-provided mobile technology is not to be considered as personal property. It is corporation-owned property and should be treated accordingly. Please review the guidelines for such use in Board Policy 7540 (linked below).
Links to full policies
We encourage all staff, students, and families to review these updated School Board Policies for more details: