BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Like many other counties in the region, Mingo County Schools has adopted a new cellphone policy for students.

Officials released a statement on social media and other outlets last week: “All personnel electronic devices (PEDs) shall not be accessible to students for use in a classroom setting during instructional time.”

The instructional day starts with the first instructional period and ends with the last instructional period, including transition between classes.

From the beginning of the instructional day, students must store their PEDs in their lockers or backpacks. Students must not retrieve their PEDs until the end of the instructional day unless exemptions apply.

Parents or guardians are instructed that the best way to contact their child during the day is by calling the school office. Office personnel may give the students messages.

There are three penalties for violation of this new policy.

First offense – The device will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day, following a conference call with the parent or guardian.

Second offense – The device will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. The student will be assigned detention.

Third offense – The device will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. The student will be assigned in-school suspension for one day and not allowed to have the device on school property.

Cellphones (PEDs) will not be permitted for students in grades pre-school to 8. For high school students, during the instructional day, cellphones or PEDs must be stored in pouches in each student’s classroom.