Moriarty High School Cell Phone (and Other Wireless Device) Policy and Discipline Procedure
Beginning August 4, 2025, Moriarty High School will be implementing a new discipline procedure in accordance with NM Senate Bill 11: Anti-Distraction Policy in Schools and MESD District Policy JICDAA concerning student use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices. The policy prohibits the use of cell phones and other wireless devices during instructional time, with the following exceptions: when staff designates the use for educational purposes, medical necessity, accessibility accommodations, and school-wide emergencies. The use of earbuds and headphones will also not be allowed during instructional time. Usage of personal wireless devices is allowable during passing periods and at lunch, as we recognize that students have legitimate reasons to use their devices during the day.
Moriarty High School is committed to cultivating a culture of learning that encourages students to be fully engaged in their education and interact with their peers and teachers in a face-to-face setting. It has been proven that students who are on cell phones or other personal electronic devices during instructional time are not fully participating in their learning. In addition to disrupting the educational process, personal electronics have created security and safety issues, including, but not limited to, academic integrity/cheating, bullying, and harassment. In order to ensure an environment conducive to learning, the use of personal electronic devices will be regulated, and their use is prohibited during instructional time.
Cell phones must be stored in classroom pocket chart or put away in backpacks as per teacher’s directive. They are not to be on the student’s person during instructional time, including during restroom breaks while class is in session.
Infractions of this policy will result in the following:
1st Infraction: Teacher issues a verbal warning to put the device away and documents the warning. This first warning is issued only one time per teacher, per student for the entire school year (not one time per day).
2nd Infraction: Teacher confiscates the device, documents the confiscation, and returns the device to the student at the end of the class period. Teacher notifies the parent/guardian.
3rd Infraction: Device is confiscated by an administrator or member of the security team. Device is placed in secure storage until it is picked up by the student at the end of the day. Parent/Guardian is notified by an administrator.
4th Infraction: Device is confiscated by an administrator or member of the security team. Device is placed in secure storage until it can be picked up by the parent/guardian. Parent/Guardian is notified by an administrator.
Subsequent Infractions will result in the confiscation and secure storage of the device until it can be picked up by a parent/guardian. Additionally, progressive punitive consequences will be imposed with each new violation.
PLEASE NOTE: Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are the responsibility of the student. If items are lost, stolen, or damaged, Moriarty High School is not responsible for searching for it, replacement, reimbursement, or repair costs.