PVMS Patriot Success Checklist
To ensure our students are ready to "Show What They Know," please follow these daily reminders:
💤 Rest Up: Aim for a full 8-10 hours of sleep each night before testing.
🍳 Fuel Up: Eat a nutritious, protein-filled breakfast.
⏰ Be on Time: Arrive promptly at school to start the day calm and focused. Testing begins promptly at 8:00.
🏫 Attendance is Key: Please avoid any absences or early dismissals on these important dates. Any student that is late may be required to take the test during a make-up session at a later date.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
PERSONAL DEVICES (CELL PHONES, AIRPODS, AND APPLE WATCHES)
Possession of personal devices by students is allowed under the following circumstances:
Personal devices must be off and out of sight during the academic school day (8:00 - 3:00).
A student who is in violation of this policy is subject to consequences, which includes confiscation of the device. A person who finds a student in violation of this policy must report the student to the school administration. Upon notification, the administrator will follow these procedures:
First offense: Student warning; parent must pick up the phone from the office.
Second offense: After school detention; parent must pick up the phone from the office.
Third offense: One day of ISS; parent must pick up the phone from the office.
Fourth offense: Two days of ISS; parent must pick up the phone from the front office.
Fifth offense: Three days of ISS; parent must pick up the phone from the front office.
If personal devices become a recurring problem, the cell phone could be confiscated until a parent conference is held with an administrator. The device would be returned at the conference. A student could be prohibited from possessing or using any cell phone at school or on school district property for the remainder of the year.
NOTES:
School personnel and/or school district officials are not responsible for the loss or damage of personal devices brought onto school property.
The District (Powdersville Middle School) will take appropriate steps to safeguard all personal devices that are confiscated; the District will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices.
District Electronic Device Policy
Policy JICJ
Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices during the School Day
Code JICJ Issued Dec 3, 2024
The purpose of this policy is to create a phone-free school environment that fosters a positive
learning experience free from electronic distractions. By prohibiting the use of personal
electronic devices during the school day, this policy aims to provide an environment that
enhances focus and engagement, allowing students to develop the college and career-ready skills
outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Students will have more opportunities to
engage in meaningful interactions, collaborate with peers, and cultivate the essential skills
necessary for success in college, careers, and life.
This policy has been developed in compliance with the General Appropriations Bill, H. 5100 of
2024, Proviso 1.103 and is applicable to grades kindergarten through twelve for the 2024-2025
school year.
Proviso 1.103 (SDE: Anti-Bullying/School Safety) To receive state funds
allocated for State Aid to Classrooms, a school district shall implement a policy
adopted by the State Board of Education that prohibits access to personal
electronic communication devices by students during the school day. For purposes
of this provision, a personal electronic communication device is considered to be
a device not authorized for classroom use by a student, utilized to access the
Internet, wi-fi, or cellular telephone signals.
I. Definitions:
A. “Personal electronic device,” hereinafter referred to as “device,” means any device utilized to
access the internet, wi-fi, cellular telephone signals, or to capture images or video. This includes,
but is not limited to, cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and gaming devices.
B. “Personal Electronic Device accessories,” hereinafter referred to as “device accessories,”
include any wired or wireless accessory or wearable technology that connects to a device and
any other accessory commonly used in conjunction with a personal electronic device.
C. “School day” is defined as the period of time that a student is present on the school campus
from their arrival (i.e., tardy bell) until afternoon dismissal at the end of the instructional day.
This policy may also apply to school buses, field trips, and athletic events. The applicability of
this regulation to these activities will be determined by the school district.
D. “Access” is defined as viewing, holding, wearing, or otherwise using a device for the purpose
of communication, internet access, gaming, recording, or any other function commonly
associated with devices. During the school day, devices should be powered off and stored as
directed by the school district. Exceptions granted for medical necessity, authorized for
classroom use, or other authorized reasons should be in writing and are not considered violations
of this definition.
E. “Authorized for Classroom Use” is defined as the use of a personal electronic device that is
explicitly approved by the District Superintendent or his/her designee in writing. The approval
must include alignment with a standards-aligned educational objective that cannot be reasonably
PAGE 2 - JICJ - PROHIBITION OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING THE
SCHOOL DAY
achieved using district-owned devices. Students must be provided with clear instructions on the
appropriate use of devices and ensure that their use aligns with the approved educational
objectives. The District Superintendent or his/her designee may revoke approval at any time if it
is determined that their use does not meet the intended educational objectives or is causing
disruptions.
II. Policy Implementation and Enforcement:
A. During the school day, students are prohibited from accessing their personal electronic
devices, unless authorized for classroom use. Students may not wear or access device accessories
during the school day. Students must store their devices and device accessories in lockers,
backpacks, or otherwise as directed by the school district during the school day.
B. If explicitly required by a student’s IEP, Medical Plan, or 504 plan, the student shall be
allowed to access their personal electronic device for medically or educationally necessary
purposes described and required for administration of the IEP, Medical Plan or 504 plan.
C. A student who is a member of a volunteer firefighting organization or emergency organization
may be authorized to carry a device with written permission from the District Superintendent or
his/her designee.
D. If a student violates the preceding rules during the school day, the student will be subject to
progressive consequences in the student code of conduct and disciplinary enforcement
procedures. If a student violates the preceding rules during non-direct instructional time, the
administrator has the discretion to waive consequences. However, misuse of personal electronic
devices that involve harassment, intimidation or any form of bullying will be subject to severe
disciplinary actions.
Adopted ^
Legal References:
A. S.C. Code of Laws, 1976, as amended:
1. Section 59-63-280 - Requires board to adopt a policy on student use of electronic
devices.
B. General Appropriations Bill, H. 5100 of 2024
1. Proviso 1.103(SDE: Anti-Bullying/School Safety)
Adopted 1/28/03; Revised 8/08, 6/24/14, 12/3/2024
Policy on Use of Calculators
Grade 6 students will have access to both the Desmos four-function and scientific testing calculators during the SC READY mathematics calculator section and the SC READY science test. Grade 7 and 8 students will have access to both the Desmos scientific and graphing testing calculators during the SC READY mathematics calculator section.
Parent Resources
Parents can access the Parent Resource webpage on the SCDE website by visiting https://ed.sc.gov/tests/assessment-information/student-and-parent-resources/.
The Parent Resource page includes ten translations of the Student and Parent Brochures and sample score reports which may be helpful to parents. Parents who require alternate formats, such as translations of languages not provided, Large Print, Braille or oral accommodations for these documents, may contact ResourceRequests@ed.sc.gov.