Personal Electronic Devices

Off and Away All Day Cell Phone Guidance
 

Burnt River Charter School has implemented a new policy related to Oregon Law that bans cell phones and other personal electronic devices for students during the school day. This "Off and Away All Day" policy is in effect now and applies to all. Please find more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, on this webpage. 

Cell phones are an amazing resource for knowledge and information. However, cell phones are also a huge distraction to many students in the classroom environment. It goes without saying that students who are distracted learn less, and the cell phone is one of the biggest distractions for our students. As such, we want to allow students access to their cell phones and teach them proper etiquette and responsibility when it comes to using their phones. It is important that students learn to use self discipline when it comes to accessing material on their cell phones at inappropriate times. 

And no time should students be answering their cell phone or checking text/messages during class. If a parent wants to contact his or her child, the proper procedure is to call the office to have a message delivered at an appropriate time. If there is an emergency, we have procedures in place to reach students and teachers immediately. 
 

Student phones will be off and away for the majority of the day (bell to bell). Students may access their phones before school and after school. Otherwise, access is granted solely by the classroom teacher or other staff member. Is important that we understand that having a phone at school is not a right, it is a privilege. We reserved the right to remove a destruction from any student that cannot meet our expectations. Just like a young child in kindergarten with a toy ball, a phone can be taken away and kept safe until the end of the day or until a parent can pick it up.