Cell phones are allowed at school. The may be used in the hallways, at arrival and dismissal, or during lunch. Use on the bus is determined by KISD transportation department. This year, there will be no cell phone use in any classroom or campus office without the expressed consent of a campus administrator. This includes trips to the restroom during class time. The expectation is that all devices are turned off in these areas so that we can be about the work at hand undistracted. If your student needs to make contact from a campus office, each office is equipped with a standard office phone that will be made available at the administrator, counselor, or secretary discretion.
We will be firm on this policy. Please help us by visiting with your students on this matter before the school year starts as any use of a phone in these areas will result in the cell phone being taken up. Once the phone is taken up, it will be placed in the vault for pick up by an adult on the student’s AGR card. There is no longer a fee for pick up. If a student refuses to relinquish the phone to an adult in the building, they will be subject to additional consequences under non-compliance in the student handbook.
It is also important to take the time to visit with your student about the contents of Texas Penal Code (21.15), as these are matters we take seriously on this campus.
(b) A person commits an offense if, without the other person's consent and with intent to invade the privacy of the other person, the person:
(1) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or transmits a visual image of an intimate area of another person if the other person has a reasonable expectation that the intimate area is not subject to public view;
(2) photographs or by videotape or other electronic means records, broadcasts, or transmits a visual image of another in a bathroom or changing room;
Finally, it is important to note that the student assumes personal responsibilities for all electronic devices brought to campus. This includes not leaving any device unattended, the use or content of any social media platform account associated with your student, or any damages that result from bringing a device to campus.
In the coming weeks, there will be multiple social media posts concerning this. Our goal is not to deprive your student of communication, but to ensure the high standard of academic and professional environment we cultivate at Ulrich is maintained and respected.