Student-Parent Handbooks

The Georgia Distraction-Free Education Act states: Beginning no later than July 1, 2026, no public school student in kindergarten through grade eight shall be permitted to access personal electronic devices during the school day (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-324.8). Exceptions are allowed for students requiring a medical device. The Gwinnett County Board of Education (BOE) permits high school students to possess communication devices on a limited basis and provides local school principals with the authority to set forth rules pertaining to student possession and use of such devices at local schools. 

Cell phones must be turned off and kept in book bags during the entire school day. The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items. Students may not text or use smartwatches in any way beyond telling time.

Head Elementary School accepts that SmartWatches are a fact of life in today’s society and can enhance communication and student safety. However, students are expected to demonstrate appropriate and respectful use of these devices while on campus.

General Guidelines:

• SmartWatches may be worn during the school day but may not be used for activities other than telling time.  
• SmartWatches may not be accessed during assessments such as GMAS or Gwinnett Writes. 
• Students may not text, use social media, or communicate via technology during school hours (including recess and lunch).
  • Families may contact the front office if there is an emergency or a message that needs to be delivered to your student.
  • Families may consider exploring Parental Controls on student devices. 
    • Schooltime feature on Apple Watches

Consequences:

• First Offense will result in teacher warning / parent notification.
• Second Offense will result in the student providing the device to their teacher, who will bring the device to the Principal’s Office. 
  • Student may pick up the device at the end of the day.
• Third Offense will result in the student providing the device to their teacher, who will bring the device to the Principal’s Office.
  • Parent/Guardian pick-up of device is required.
• Subsequent offenses will be considered and may result in additional alternate means of correction, including student/guardian conference, behavior contract, and/or further disciplinary action.  

Electronic devices and other valuables are brought to school at your own risk. Head Elementary School is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Examples of prohibited Smartwatch/e-watch functions during school hours:

• using device to take pictures, record, etc.
• using device to text
• using device to access social media
• using device to make calls

Policy includes, but is not limited to, the use of the following devices: Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Pebble, GPS Watch, Gabb, JrTrack, Cubitt, Vtech, Ticktalk, Xplora, Verizon Gizmo

GCPS Student Conduct Behavior Code - Elementary - Rule 11: Other Conduct Subversive to Good Order

• Rule 11L - Unauthorized use during school hours of electronic devices including but not limited to: tape recorders, radios, CD players, MP3 players, video games, and televisions