JICJ: Unauthorized Communication Devices

Policy Date: 08/19/2025

HSD File: JICJ

HOOKSETT SCHOOL DISTRICT
UNAUTHORIZED COMMUNICATION DEVICES

PURPOSE
The District is committed to providing students with a learning environment free from
disruptions. Use of personal communication devices (cell phone, tablets, laptops, other
communication devices, smartwatches, etc.) for non-academic means often leads to disruptions
in the learning environment for both individual students and the classroom.

For the purposes of this policy, a personal communication device is defined as any non-district
provided intern/cellular-capable device that can support voice or video calls, texts, emails, or
instant messages. Personal communication devices include, but are not limited to: cellphones,
tablets, laptops, and smartwatches. For ease of reference, devices provided by the district for
instructional use shall be referred to as ‘district-owned’ or ‘district-provided’ devices.

RESTRICTIONS
Student use of personal communication devices is strictly prohibited from when the first bell rings
to start instructional time until the dismissal bell rings to end the academic school day (referred
to as ‘the school day’). The school day includes lunch periods, passing time, and recesses.

Students participating in extracurricular activities, co-curricular activities, field trips or other
activities outside of the school day shall abide by the rules and consequences established for
personal communication devices set by the coach, instructor, sponsor or other designated
supervisor for the activity. However, in no event shall personal communication devices (or any
other device with photographic or recording capabilities) be used in locker rooms, bathrooms, or
any other location where such use could violate another person’s reasonable expectation of
privacy

If digital devices are used to enhance learning in the classroom, the District is responsible for
providing District-owned devices.

While it is best practice that these devices are not brought to school, if these devices are brought
to school, they shall be kept with the power turned off in a student’s assigned locker, backpack,
or handbag. The District will not be responsible for loss, damage, or theft of any electronic
communication device brought to the school.

EXCEPTIONS
Students with medical needs, such as insulin pumps and glucose sensors, or disabilities that
require a device to support their learning as identified by their individualized education program
(IEP) or plan developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. section
794, or a multilingual student with appropriate language access programs and services pursuant
to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 shall be exempt from this policy. Additionally, the
Superintendent or their designee may approve additional exceptions on a case-by-case basis or
through an administrative decision recorded in the student handbook with respect to student
medical, disability, or language proficiency needs.

Approved: August 19, 2025