At DCSS, we desire to make the most effective use of current technology during the education process. Electronic and internet technology is a tool that, when used properly, can greatly improve the learning experience of students. However, it also has the power to distract us from our goals or to be used in ways that have a negative impact. This policy has been developed to help keep electronics a positive and valuable resource in the DCSS classroom.

1. There is a zero tolerance policy for all electronics from the time the student arrives at DCSS in the morning until devotions is over. This is generally about 8:20 to 9:10 each morning. DCSS would like to encourage the students to engage in conversation with each other, worship and the study of the Word during this time. Devices should be kept in student lockers during this time.

2. Students must leave all personal handheld devices in their lockers during class time and over the lunch hour (12:00-12:50). There are no exceptions to this rule. If a student does not have a functioning laptop then they will need to do all their work with pen and paper until the laptop is fixed. This applies to all classes. Students will not be permitted to charge personal devices during the school day. Students are permitted to check their personal devices in between classes and at the very beginning of lunch hour (11:45-12:00)

3. Students are expected to bring laptops to class each day unless a teacher asks them not to for a specific reason. For example, a teacher might not want students bringing laptops to class if he/she is showing a movie. While students are permitted to bring laptops to class, they are not allowed to use them for social media or games during class time. These laptops must have a working battery as they will not be permitted to plug them in during class time. DCSS will provide a charging station at the school in case they need to recharge over the lunch hour.

4. Electronics will not be used for games, movies or videos of any kind during the school day. We desire to maintain an atmosphere conducive to getting our school work completed. We also do not want to encourage movies or games as there are many different standards of acceptance among families.

5. At any time, students should be mindful that they represent DCSS and should be acting in an appropriate manner while on their electronic devices. Behaviour such as bullying, visiting inappropriate sites, or posting inappropriate material during school hours could result in the student losing the privilege to use electronics while at DCSS.

Students are expected to be in attendance for all DCSS classes and events.

Attendance will be kept by each teacher and reported in the mid-term and final report cards.

All student absences must be communicated to each classroom teacher by emailing them prior to the absence. This is for our school records, the safety of the student and for accountability.