Last modified: September 3, 2024

District Cell Phone Draft Policy FAQ

• What are the basics of the Draft Cell Phone Policy?

  • Elementary:
    • Devices must not be seen, heard, or used during school hours.
  • Middle School:
    • Devices must not be seen, heard, or used during school hours.
  • High School:
    • Devices must remain silent and out of sight during class periods.
    • Devices may be used before and after school, during class changes, and at lunch.

• What does enforcement look like in the draft policy? This applies to phones and watches.

  • 1st Offense: Verbal warning

  • 2nd Offense: Cell phone removed or locked up by administrator and returned at the end of the day. Parents are notified.

  • 3rd Offense: Cell phone removed by administrator and can only be returned to a parent.

  • 4th Offense: Cell phone removed by administrator and meeting with parents to develop a cell phone contract.

• How will I get in touch with my student?

  • Elementary and Middle School:
    • Work with the office for emergencies;
  • High School:
    • Work with the office for urgent matters; students can access their phones between classes

• What about smart watches?

  • This is an aspect we are still working through and would appreciate your input. It is likely that for elementary students a watch will need to be put in a backpack just like a phone. For middle and high school students, phones should be off or on airplane mode so that their watches do not receive notifications and they use the watch simply for telling the time and tracking their health. If watches are used like a cell phone during class, it will be subject to the same enforcement policies as a phone.

• Will exceptions be made?

  • We recognize that some students need access to their phones for medical or other legitimate reasons. These students and their parents should talk to their school administrators who will work with them on an individualized plan. In these cases, cell phones should only be used for these purposes.

• How can parents be a part of this process?

  • Parents and teachers/administrators are a team in supporting your student. You can help with this transition by talking to your child about balanced cell phone use and the benefits of being focused on learning during class time.
  • Please help us by not contacting your student during class time, and going through the office to do so in the case of an urgent matter. 

• What is the timeline?

  • September – Surveys of Students, Teachers & Parents
  • September 27 – Board Discusses Policy
  • October 8 – First Reading of the Policy
  • October – Feedback from Students, Teachers & Parents
  • November 12 – Second Reading of Policy & Vote to Approve
  • November/December – District, School & Student Leadership Prepare Roll-Out
  • January 7, 2025 – New Policy Goes Into Effect