Permanent exclusion is absurd. Violence, deliberate disruption of a class, possibly theft - these could be grounds for permanent exclusion.

A cell phone call is not, at least in my opinion.

Like it or not, a cell phone is a critical tool in today's world. Lives (teenage lives) have been saved by them.

The fact that the school is participating in a deception to find a way out of the mess is very disturbing. Your daughter is being taught to find ways around the system - much like too many politicians.

I hope you or your wife will accompany her on Monday and make it clear that although the cell phone call was wrong, you stand by her decision not to forfeit property that was not her own. She will learn from this by observing how you and your wife conduct yourselves. Dignified condescension would be my approach but you do what you have to do, Good luck.