La Joya Independent School District

The policy applies to all students in Pre-K through 12th grade. It sets clear, consistent expectations for device use across all La Joya ISD campuses, while also accommodating age-specific procedures. The policy covers all areas of school buildings, including but not limited to: Classrooms, Hallways, Cafeterias, Restrooms, Playgrounds and Recreational Spaces.
 

Elementary Schools:
At the elementary level, students will keep personal communication devices in backpacks, cubbies or areas designated by teachers. Devices should remain off and put away for the entire instructional day.

Middle and High Schools:
At middle and high school campuses, students will use locking pouches provided by the district and store them in designated locations during the day. Devices should remain in the pouch and stored in backpacks or designated areas until the end of the school day. Students are responsible for keeping their pouch in good condition. A $25 replacement fee may apply if lost or damaged. Though the device storage pouches will arrive after the first day of school, students will still not be allowed to use their devices, starting day one. The device(s) must be kept stored away and not used.

• Exceptions will be granted as required by law for documented medical needs, IEP/504 plans, or emergencies
• Students will be allowed to use their devices after the last bell of the instructional day. For extra-curricular activities, students must follow the rules enforced by the program directro/sponsor/campus administrator.
• La Joya ISD will prohibit possession at HOPE and CCC, as alternative spaces, building on a successful practice already in place at HOPE (not allowing devices to be brought at all).

Code of Conduct Violations:

Each of the following violations will result in a violation of the student code of conduct and potential confiscation of student's cell phone, smart watch, earbud, or other personal electronic device.

1. Using a phone or device anywhere on campus during school hours without permission from a campus administrator in a designated area.
2. Physical damage to the securing/locking equipment to circumvent its intended purpose (as applicable).
3. Persistent loss of secured equipment or forgetting to bring the secured equipment to school (as applicable).
4. Damaging or taking someone else's property and/or school issued secured equipment.
    

If the secured equipment is damaged or lost, then the student/parent/guardian will be required to pay a fee of $25 for the damaged or lost pouch and will not be able to bring personal communication devices to the campus until doing so.

Code of Conduct Progressive Discipline:

• First Offense | Verbal Warning - Student will be given a verbal warning and student must comply and securely store the device.
• Second Offense | Device Confiscated - Device will be confiscated for the day and parent/guardian will be notified. Additionally, the device will be returned only to the parent/guardian at the end of the day. Violation will be documented with referral (local code).
• Third Offense | 24 Hour Device Hold - Parent/guardian will be notified and the device will be held for 24 hours. The device will only be returned to the parent after 24 hours. Additionally, In-school suspension (ISS) will be assigned and the violation will be documented.
• Fourth Offense | 48 Hour Device Hold - Parent/guardian will be notified and the device will be held for 48 hours. The device will only be returned to the parent after 48 hours. Student will be assigned ISS and the student will not be allowed to bring any electronic device to school. Repeated offenses may lead to DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program) placement.

Verbal Warning - Student will be given a verbal warning and student must comply and securely store the device.



Device Confiscated - Device will be confiscated for the day and parent/guardian will be notified. Additionally, the device will be returned only to the parent/guardian at the end of the day. The violation will be documented with referral (local code).



24 Hour Device Hold - Parent/guardian will be notified and the device will be held for 24 hours. The device will only be returned to the parent after 24 hours. Additionally, in-school suspension (ISS) will be assigned and the violation will be documented.



48 Hour Device Hold - Parent/guardian will be notified and the device will be held for 48 hours. The device will only be returned to the parent after 48 hours. Student will be assigned ISS and the student will not be allowed to bring any electronic device to school. Repeated offenses may lead to DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program) placement.

La Joya ISD is committed to our student's and staff's safety, as such the district follows the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) which is a response framework that prepares staff and students for a wide range of situations. Our schools maintain secure communications systems, and in critical situations, school staff are responsible for communication and coordination. Parents will be informed promptly and through our official channels.

For more information about our the Standard Response Protocol visit:  Standard Response Protocol (SRP)