Cell Phone Policy

TO: Parents, guardians and scholars
FROM: Dr. Patterson, Principal
SUBJECT: Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Cell Phone/ Electronic Devices Policy and Act 26
DATE: August 25, 2024

At Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy, we understand the importance of students having cell phones/smart watches for communication and safety reasons. Unfortunately, cell phones/smart watches/electronic devices also present a large distraction in school as students send text messages, use social media, take photographs, and record videos of one another. We ask that you reiterate to your scholars the importance of focusing on school while they are at school.

It is the expectation of Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy administrators that students and parents adhere to the School District of Philadelphia’s cell phone policy. If a student brings a cell phone, smart phone, Apple Watch, or electronic device to school, they do so at their own risk. Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy will take no responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones or for any electronic device. Should a student bring: a smart watch, cell phone, or any device that can take photographs; record, play, or edit audio or video data; store, transmit or receive messages or images; or provide a wireless, unfiltered connection to the internet, it is the Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy policy that it must be turned off and out of sight for the entire school day. Phones and electronic devices should not be stored in pants or sweatshirt pockets. Such devices must be kept in your handbag, backpack, or cubby/locker.

It is the expectation that Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy parents support the administration in upholding our electronics policy. Please do your part and do not call or text your scholar during the school day. If you need to reach your child for any reason, please call the main office at (215)-400-7940. The message will be delivered to your child and they are permitted to call you back from the main office phone. Students who use their cell phone, smart watch or electronic device inside the school building or on the school premises during the hours of 8:45 am- 3:24 pm will be subject to discipline as outlined in the School District of Philadelphia’s Code of Conduct. In addition, students will be subject to the following school procedure:

FIRST OFFENSE: Phone/electronic device will be confiscated by a staff member and turned into the office. All devices are locked in the main office. On the first offense, the device can be picked up by the student in the main office after 3:24 PM. This policy serves as official notice. The school will notify parents/guardians of confiscated phone/electronic devices via phone call or email.
SECOND OFFENSE: Phone/electronic device will be confiscated by a staff member and turned into the office. All devices are locked in the main office. On the second occurrence, phone/electronic devices will be returned ONLY to the parent/guardian on file. The device will be held in the main office until a parent/guardian who is listed on the student’s record is able to report to school.
THIRD OFFENSE: Phone/electronic device will be confiscated by a staff member and turned into the office. Phone/electronic device will be returned ONLY to the parent/guardian on file after a meeting with an administrator. The student will be placed on a behavioral contract and required to leave their phone at home or turn it into the main office daily.