Tug,
Were you aware of the rule about cell phones? I take it your daughter does not take one to school. She knew she was breaking a ruls and she knew the consequences.
Have you discussed her part in this debacle? It could have easily been avoided. Was the phone call critical? Calling her Mom to say she was ill?

How do you think the school should have handled this?
Schools have rules. Some are ridiculous, I agree. Who decides what rules to break and who gets punished? If the school makes an exception for your daughter, what about he next child who uses a cell phone in school?

Just trying to look at the whole picture.
Mary