SHILOH - On Feb. 13, North Dorchester Middle School released the following statement on cell phone use:

The Dorchester County Public School cell phone policy states for secondary schools that cell phones must be placed in lockers upon arrival at school and retrieved at the end of the day. We realize you may want your child to have a cell phone for several reasons, and we certainly understand and respect that, but please reinforce with your child that all cell phones need to be out of sight and not used for any reason during the hours of 7:30 a.m.-2:50 p.m. The office phone can be used for emergencies.

Due to the number of cell phone infractions, the NDMS staff will be enforcing the following for cell phones misuse:

1st Offense - Cell phone confiscated for the remainder of the day and given back at the end of the day with a verbal warning.

2nd Offense - Cell phone confiscated for the remainder of the day; parents will be called. Parent/guardian can collect the phone in person during the regular school hours.

3rd Offense - Cell phone confiscated for the rest of the day; parents will be called. Parent/guardian can collect the phone in person during the regular school hours. Student receives In-School Suspension of one day.

4th Offense - Cell phone confiscated for the remainder of the day; parents will be called. Parent/guardian can collect the phone in person during the regular school hours. Student receives ISS for three days.

It is our hope there will not be a need for additional consequences. We encourage you to reinforce these steps to ensure the safety, order and privacy of others. Your cooperation as always is appreciated greatly.

These steps will begin on Feb. 21. Please contact an administrator for questions, concerns or suggestions.

*Students that refuse to give their phones to administrators will be subject to disciplinary actions according to the DCPS Student Code of Conduct.