“Diane Bauman, spokeswoman for the school district, said the boy was in band when the device overheated. Students are permitted to bring portable game systems to school, she said, but are not permitted to play them during school hours.”

Maybe a better question might be this: Why would a parent allow a child to bring a portable video game to school? If a kid has down time between classes or at lunch, shouldn’t said kid be doing something school-related?

Call me old-fashioned, but I’d like to see all electronic devices banned from schools unless they’re medically necessary.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Students may possess a wireless telephone, pager or other electronic communication device while in school. Such devices must be kept out of sight, turned off, and shall not be used during school hours or while riding in any school vehicle. While at school sponsored activities, events, and after school hours, such devices may be used only when use of the device does not cause disruption.

Possession or use of, to include but not limited to, “walkie-talkies”, either long or short range, portable CB radios, portable “HAM” radios, portable scanning devices, or portable games or toys that transmit a signal more than 20 feet or through walls are prohibited unless permission has been granted by a building administrator.

Students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Devices operated in violation of this rule, or for any illegal purpose, shall be confiscated, and not returned until, where appropriate, a parent(s)/ guardian(s) conference has been held. The District shall not be responsible for any electronic communication device lost, stolen, or confiscated.