It is NTC’s policy that students may possess a cellular telephone while on school premises and while in transit under the authority of the school. The term “cell phone” includes but is not limited to cellular phones, mobile phones, VoIP, iPhones, smart phones, internet phones or similar devices. Students will keep cellular telephones turned off and out of sight during class time unless otherwise authorized by district personnel and during all school or school related activities. Students may only use cellular telephones before and after school, during break times, and at lunch. Likewise, students may have pagers and cellular telephones while attending a function sponsored or authorized by the school, subject to the same restrictions applicable to instructional periods.

Telecommunication devices shall be turned off and out-of-sight in locations deemed “private areas.” “Private areas” include but are not limited to restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms or similar areas. The use of audio/video recording and camera features is strictly prohibited in these areas. A student who witnesses a cell phone or other telecommunication device out in a “private area” shall immediately report this behavior to a teacher or administrator

NTC has adopted policies regarding appropriate contact between staff and students via telecommunication devices and social networking sites. These polices are found at Wireless Telecommunication Devices (Employees). Students shall only engage in approved and authorized contact with technology center employees and shall report any inappropriate contact immediately.

Students found to be using any electronic communications device for any illegal purpose, in a manner which violates privacy or to in any way send or receive personal messages, data, or information that would contribute to or constitute cheating on tests or examinations, or to harass or intimidate students or staff members shall be subject to discipline and the device shall be confiscated and not returned until a parent conference has been held, in the case of a secondary student or a student conference is held in the instance of an adult student. Using a phone for harassment purposes includes using a phone’s features such as text or picture messaging, internet uploading and downloading, camera, and/or audio/visual recording features. Acts such as “upskirting” or “downblousing” are prohibited and are considered harassment of an individual. Students violating this policy will be not be allowed to carry any personal communication device following the incident unless a genuine health emergency exists, and may also be subject to removal from the technology center.

Warning: The taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, sexting, emailing, and other modes of electronic communication) may constitute a CRIME under state and/or federal law. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be reported to law enforcement and/or other appropriate state or federal agencies, which may result in arrest, criminal prosecution, and inclusion on sexual offender registries.

Approved on July 30, 2001
Amended on September 14, 2009
Amended on May 10, 2010
Amended on March 12, 2012