Electronic Devices Policy To Be Enforced At SHS

Sullivan High School recently announced that they will be enforcing their policy on cell phone use on the school campus this school year.

Sullivan High School Principal Jason Merkel recently announced that the campus would be enforcing this policy during the 2022-2023 school year, a policy which has been in place in the Student Handbook  but not strictly enforced in previous years.

Merkel cited reasons being distractions in the classroom for students and faculty along with bullying issues and other problems that arise.

Students will also need to use wired ear buds as wireless will not be permitted in the school.

The SHS Handbook states the following regarding Electronic Devices:

“(i.e. Cell Phones, iPad, Watches, Air Pods, etc.) – Electronic devices will not be allowed during class/instructional time, during passing time,

or in any bathroom/changing area (including after-school extra-curricular activities) because of their potential to disrupt the educational

process. Students will be allowed to use their electronic devices while in the commons/cafeteria during their lunch period only. Cell phones

may be kept in lockers and turned off. If the student is using their electronic device in class, it will be confiscated. Parents are encouraged to

call the office if they need to reach their child. The school is not responsible for electronic devices or individual technology and will not use

any administrative time to investigate if they are lost or stolen.

Wireless earbuds (air pods, etc.) are not allowed during the entire school day for their potential to impact the safety of students and staff.

Students will be allowed to have wired headphones to use with their Chromebook but only with the teacher’s approval.

Electronic Devices (i.e. Cell Phones, iPad, etc.) – Inappropriate Use of Camera Function/Unauthorized photographing or

videotaping – Students are not allowed to record/photograph/make videos, etc. of any student, staff member, or any personnel without

prior approval by both the subject(s) of the video/photo and a supervising teacher and/or an administrator. This includes sending pictures

or videos with the intent of inflicting emotional or mental suffering on another individual or group of individuals; this will result in school

discipline.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions, which can include suspension or a recommendation for expulsion.

Students and parents are warned that posting/distributing video, audio, and/or photos on the internet, to other people, or on any type of

social media will result in strong consequences as well as notifying law enforcement.

At no time will cell phones be allowed in the bathrooms, locker rooms, or any changing area.

Sullivan High School reserves the right to review cell phone policies on a case-by-case basis or review the District cell phone policy at any point throughout the school year.”

Sullivan joins several other nearby districts who have fully implemented this policy.