It is important for families/staff to understand that Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 78 (SEA 78) is an extension of the Indiana law and is not simply a Penn-Harris-Madison decision.
School districts across Indiana are required to implement policies that limit student access to personal communication devices during the school day. While individual schools have some flexibility in how they implement the law, the expectation that devices remain inaccessible during the school day is a state requirement. We recognize that this will be a significant adjustment for many students and families, and we are committed to supporting everyone through this transition.
Device Storage
If elementary school students bring personal communication devices to school, students will be expected to keep phones and other communication devices powered off and in their backpacks throughout the school day.
Hallway Expectations
If a staff member sees a student with a communication device out, we are simply asking that the student be redirected and reminded to put it away.
Classroom Expectations
Phones and communication devices should remain powered off and in backpacks during class.
Lunch Expectations
Phones and communication devices should remain powered off and in backpacks during lunch.
Progressive Discipline Process
1st Offense
- Warning
- The phone/device will be turned in to Student Services.
- Student pick up at the end of the day
2nd Offense
- The phone/device will be turned in to Student Services.
- Student pick up at the end of the day
- Parents are notified.
3rd Offense
- The phone/device will be turned in to Student Services.
- Parents are notified.
- Lunch Detention
- Parent/guardian must pick up the device
4th Offense
- The phone/device will be turned in to Student Services.
- After School Detention
- Parent/guardian must pick up the device
5th Offense
- Student checks phone/device in to the office at the start of each school day and checks it out at the end of the day
- Parent meeting required to develop a plan moving forward
If a student refuses to comply, the student will move directly to the third-offense level. If a student becomes combative or creates a safety concern, staff should immediately contact the safety agent or an Administrator for assistance.
Office Procedures
Phones that are confiscated and sent to Student Services to be stored. If parent pickup is required, devices may be picked up between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Additional Information
- Our Counseling Department has done an outstanding job helping develop guidance for families regarding 504 accommodations.
- Students will still be able to use wired headphones connected to their Chromebooks during approved times.
- Parents may contact students by email or by calling the main office if necessary.
- These expectations will be in effect from 9:05 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Students may continue to use their devices while riding the bus.
