Cell phone usage among our middle schoolers has evolved from almost nonexistent to virtually universal in the last decade.  Cell phones have made it much easier for families to communicate during the day but their misuse has proved to be quite disruptive in the school setting, especially during classtime.  Additionally, those phones with camera/video capabilities make it exceedingly difficult to protect the privacy of other students and staff members on campus.

Chaparral is not alone in finding it necessary to implement new, more stringent guidelines for cell phone use on campus.  Beginning this school year (2010-11) all student phones must be turned OFF and be OUT OF SIGHT from the time the student enters campus until school ends at 3:20 p.m.  Students who violate this policy will have their phones confiscated and taken to the office where they must be picked up by the parent or guardian after 3:20 p.m.  Repeat violators will have additional consequences.