This letter’s purpose is to inform you of a change to the policies and procedures of Lancaster High School in regards to exams for the 2012-2013 school year.  New York State Education Department has adopted new regulations that require stricter policy regarding student possession of electronic devices during examinations connected to state scores.  Due to these new regulations the Lancaster High School Administration is required to alter our current cell phone/electronic device policy for our examination period. 

Students deemed to be in possession of the following electronic devices will have their exams invalidated.  The consequences of this will mean a possible zero on the exam and subsequent failure of the course.  Proof of misuse is not required as sheer possession is the offense.  Devices that are prohibited by the state include but are not limited to:

·         Cell phones

·         Blackberry devices and other PDAs

·         iPods and MP3 players

·         iPads, tablets, and other eReaders

·         Laptops, notebooks, or any other personal computing devices

·         Cameras or other photographic equipment

·         Headphones, headsets, or in-ear headphones such as earbuds, and

·         Any other device capable of recording audio, photographic, or video content, or capable of viewing or playing back such content

Please understand that the Lancaster Central School District will not be responsible for lost or stolen property.  However, if students must bring them to school the following options will be available to students so that they will have a place to store their electronic devices for the duration of the exam:

·       We will have a check in station, similar to a coat check, set up near the main office. This location will be secure and overseen by a staff member.

·       Students may place the devices in a backpack on silent or shut off in the front of the examination room.

·       The Head Proctor will announce prior to the start of the exam that anyone in possession of a cell phone/electronic device must hand it in immediately.  These devices will be kept secure while students take their exam.

This letter is to solicit parents’ assistance so they can  join us in our task of educating students of this change in law and the serious consequences associated with violation.   

Sincerely,

Cesar Marchioli

Principal