School Policies

Student use of cell phones, PDA’s or other electronic devices during the school day is a privilege. Adherence to the guidelines below is essential to maintaining an appropriate academic environment and the integrity of the classroom. Abuse of this privilege will result in consequences beginning with confiscation of device, parent conference, suspension or loss of other privileges such as participation in school trips, internships, proms and potentially graduation exercises.

 

Cell phones and all functions within the cell phone (i.e. cameras and all other applications) are prohibited unless except in the case of a staff member giving explicit permission for educational purposes. Cell phones and recording devices in school restrooms are strictly prohibited. 

Students must comply with staff directives, including but not limited to, ending phone conversations for student-staff interaction and using appropriate voice volume and device volume. When in use, cell phones must be on silent mode so that no audible ring tone is heard.

Students using cell phones, PDAs, or other electronic devices in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, whether inside or outside the classroom, or violates the rights of others—such as using the device to breach our academic honesty policy, violate school conduct rules, harass or bully staff or students, photograph or video record, or engage in unlawful activities—will face severe disciplinary action. This may include suspension, expulsion, and, if necessary, reporting to the Hawaii Police Department.

Cell Phone Rule: The respectful, non-disruptive use of cell phones is permitted in the school cafeteria during lunch period and any other school area except those listed above. As soon as the threshold of the classroom or any prohibited area is crossed, during the school day, cell phones need to be put away and made undetectable (i.e., silenced without vibration). Ear buds/headphones must be removed.  Violation of the cell phone rule as stated above will result in the confiscation of the device according to the following ladder of disciplinary action:

 

• First Offense ~ the device will be confiscated until the end of the period. REview policy in the main office, room F108.

• Second Offense ~ the device will be confiscated until the end of the day. Administrator contacts parent/guardian.

• Third Offense ~ An Administrator will establish parent contact and the confiscated device will remain in the main office until it is picked up by a parent or guardian.
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*It should be noted that refusal to surrender a cell phone or other electronic device when directed to do so by an administrator is a violation of Chapter 19 and our school’s Code of Conduct. Insubordinate behavior could result in loss of recess, suspension, exclusion from school events, and/or graduation activities.

Policy Bullet Points

• Cell phones are prohibited from use in classrooms and any other area in which academic work is being done unless otherwise explicitly instructed by the teacher. 

• Earbuds/headphones must be removed during class time.

• Once inside the school, students must store their cell phones/electronic devices in a location that is not visible to the teacher or other students, even though they are on SILENT. It is YOUR responsibility to keep your things secure.

• If a cell phone/ electronic device rings, vibrates, or is used for any reason without teacher permission, or is visible anytime during class time or if you are caught using it on campus during class time, a staff member may confiscate the device.

• Students using their phones to capture Chapter 19 offenses such as fighting, smoking/vaping, or other behaviors are strictly prohibited. 

• Texting and cell phone use is permitted in halls during passing and during the lunch period in the cafeteria

• All cell phone use must be respectful and non-disruptive to students and staff.

• Phones must remain on silent at all times throughout the school day. Parents / Guardians, please note you can contact your child via their cell phone during the lunch period (10:15-10:30 and 12:55-1:25). In the event of an immediate emergency, please call the school’s main office at (808) 313-4300.

• It is important for families to contact the front office for emergency situations that arise rather than calling students directly.  By looping in the teachers and staff, we are able to assist the students to deal with these situations and create support plans with them as they may be going through a difficult time.  It also allows for the education of the rest of the campus to continue without interruption.

• The staff of Pahoa High and Intermediate School requests your FULL co-operation with our policy.

• It should be noted that, the school nor any of its employees are responsible for the loss or damage to any student’s phone or electronic device whether that device is in the student’s possession or confiscated by the staff. It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to this policy and to secure his or her belongings at all times. Classes and or instruction will not be stopped to deal with or search for lost phones/devices.

Students are encouraged to use their phones in ways that strengthen connections and support their academic and social interactions. Disruptive or disrespectful use  of cell phones or other technology undermines our school values of Pono, Pilina, Mālama, and Kuleana.