Cell Phone Policy

 

Dear Parents and Students,

I hope this message finds you well. As we prepare for the implementation of the Charleston County School District’s new policy, “Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day” (Policy JICJ), I want to share how this policy will be applied here at Lucy Beckham High School.

Effective January 6, 2025, all students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, must have their personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and similar items, turned off and securely stored during the school day. For LBHS, the school day is defined as 8:30 am to 3:35 pm. This policy, mandated by state law, is designed to create a focused and distraction-free learning environment that supports student success. Our updated school procedures are 

Implementation at LBHS

1. Device Storage:
   • Devices must be powered off and stored in backpacks or bags (not on your person.) We suggest leaving them in cars if students drive. There should be zero visibility between 8:30 and 3:35.
   • Students will not have access to their devices during the instructional day unless explicitly authorized.
2. Exceptions:
   • Devices may be used when approved for instructional purposes by a teacher or administration.
   • Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), medical plan, or Section 504 accommodation that requires device use will be permitted to do so.
   • Emergency situations, as deemed by administration, may also allow for limited use.
3. Disciplinary Actions:
   Violations of this policy will follow the CCSD Progressive Discipline Plan, (page 6).

Contacting Students During the Day

If you need to contact your child during school hours, please call the front office at 843-953-2900. Our staff will ensure urgent messages are promptly delivered. For non-urgent matters, we encourage the use of your child’s CCSD email.

This change may take time to adjust to, but it is a critical step in enhancing the educational environment for all students. We appreciate your partnership in supporting this policy and encouraging your child’s focus and engagement in their learning.

For additional information, please refer to the district’s website or contact our school office. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
Anna Dassing, Principal of Lucy Beckham High School

 

 

LBHS Cell Phone Policies and Procedures

As we continue to strive for excellence in education at Lucy Beckham High School, we want to ensure that our students are provided with the best possible learning environment. To this end, we have reinforced and strengthened our school cell phone policy. We are continuing to implement school-wide expectations and procedures to minimize disruption to the learning environment and to align to South Carolina law and CCSD policy regarding cell phone usage. 

 Policy JICJ, "Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day."

When may cell phones be used?

Cell phones and electronic devices including smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, etc. may not be used during the school day.  For LBHS, the school day is defined as 8:30-3:35 pm. Devices and periphery may not be used during instructional time, during transitions, ILT, or lunch. The only device authorized for use is the school issued Chromebook. Please understand that phones cannot be used for vending or purchasing during the school day.  Plan accordingly with a card or cash.

 

Procedures: 

• Cell phones MAY NOT be used during the instructional day. Students will either not bring any device into or peripheral device to school or phones will be powered off and stored in student backpacks or bags not on the person.  At no time should a phone or peripheral device be visible or heard.
• Students may use cell phones ONLY if the classroom teacher gives explicit permission as part of instruction.
• Headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth devices must be removed during the instructional day. 
• If students use a cell phone to illegally enhance their own academic performance or another student’s performance, the student(s) involved will receive additional consequences for academic dishonesty. If students use a cell phone to engage in illegal or unethical behavior such as bullying, harassing, threatening, or intimidating, the students involved will receive additional consequences in accordance with the CCSD Progressive Discipline Plan.
• If cell phones or periphery are found in use during the instructional day or in instructional areas, they will be confiscated.
• These policies and procedures apply to the East Cooper Center for Advanced Studies as well.
• All CCSD Policies regarding cell phones/electronic devices are to be followed.
• We encourage use of CCSD email for communication if needed but if there is an emergency, please call the front office at 843-953-2900.   

 

 Policy JICJ, "Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day."

Per the CCSD Progressive Discipline Plan: CCSD Student Code of Conduct (page 6)