Frequently Asked Questions about
the Possession of Cell Phones by APS
Students for 2012-13
1. Are students permitted to bring cell phones to school?
For the remainder of the 2012-13 school year, all APS students with parental consent are allowed to
bring mobile telephones to school. Parents/guardians wishing to provide consent should complete the
Parent Permission Form for Mobile Telephone/Electronic Device and submit it to the school prior to
allowing the student to bring the device to school. The consent form may also be found on page 89 of
the Student Handbook.
2. When can my child use his/her cell phone?
Use of phones is limited to the time before and after the instructional day. All electronic devices must be
off and out of sight during the instructional day. Students may use phones after school as directed by a
school employee. Please note that it is against Georgia state law to use a cell phone on a school bus.
Students who violate these rules will receive consequences according to regulation JCDAF-R(0).
3. What can I do to support a safe and positive school environment with student cell phones?
First, please do not call or text your student on his or her personal cell phone during the school day. In
case of an emergency, calling the school’s main office is still the method you should use to contact your
child. Second, speak to your child about using his/her phone responsibly and about the rules for the use
of cell phones at school. Remind him or her regularly about the serious consequences that are in place
for using cell phones for violations like cheating, bullying or taking photos and videos without consent.
Third, monitor your student’s activities on the phone or device to ensure appropriate behavior.
4. Will my child be able to call me if there is an emergency or a school lock-down?
Employees may direct students to use cell phones to contact their parents if appropriate in an
emergency situation. Student cell phones must remain off and out-of-sight until students are directed
that it is safe to use them.
5. What happens if my student’s cell phone or electronic device is lost or stolen?
APS takes no responsibility for devices or phones that are lost or stolen. APS employees will not be
responsible for searching for lost/stolen phones. Students who bring phones to school do so at their
own risk.
6. My child’s phone was confiscated, and I am being asked to pay a fine to retrieve it. Is this required?
The regulations on student use of electronic devices do include a set of fines as consequences for
repeated violations of the rules for cell phones, and the fines are enforced if the student disrupts the
instructional environment. Fines collected by the school are deposited into the local school’s activity
fund.
Please note, as well, that violations of the student behavior code that are conducted via a mobile device
or the Internet, such as bullying and cheating, will result in additional disciplinary consequences to
address those infractions. Some behavior, such as taking photos or video of students in restrooms or
locker rooms, may also lead to criminal charges.