Personal Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

Elementary School Cell Phone and Electronic Device Use 

To support a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment, the following cell phone policy is in effect for all scholars: 

1. Phone Use During the School Day 
   • Phones must be turned off or set to silent and put away from the start of the school day to the end of the school day. This applies to all instructional periods and classroom time, recess and lunch. 
   • Phones will be stored in backpacks and not carried on the scholar’s person or in a designated location in the classroom during the school day. 
2. Communication 
   • In the case of an emergency, parents or guardians should contact the school directly through the main office. 
   • Scholars needing to make a call during the school day must report to the office with a staff-issued pass. 
3. Limited Personal Use 
   • Scholars may check messages before and after school only. 
   • Phone use is not permitted for instructional purposes 
4. Exceptions 
   • Exceptions to this policy may be made for documented accommodations outlined in a scholar’s 504 Plan, IEP, or Health Plan. 
   • The expectation will be that students with these needs only access their devices for the purposes listed in their 504, IEP, or healthcare plan. 

This policy ensures minimal distractions and maximizes instructional time while supporting students’ safety and individual needs. Repeated violations may result in progressive consequences. When cell phones/electronic devices are in use before or after school, students must adhere to the guidelines outlined in Policy 3245. 

Middle and High School Cell Phone and Electronic Device Use 

To support a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment, the following cell phone and electronic device policy is in effect for all scholars during the school day: 

1. General Expectations 

   • Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off or set to Do Not Disturb and stored away at the start of the school day. Cell phones and electronic devices are to remain stored away throughout the school day and may only be used during a student’s assigned lunch period.

   • Phones will be kept in backpacks/school bags and not carried on the scholar's person.  If a scholar does not carry a backpack or school bag, the phone will be placed in a designated location in the classroom.  

2. Passing Time and Transitions 

   • Scholars are not permitted to use phones during passing periods or transitions between classes. Passing time and transition time should be focused on getting to the next location on time without distraction.

   • When seeking a pass to the restroom, cell phones and electronic devices will be left in the classroom, either in a designated location or in the scholar’s backpack/school bag. 

3. Before School, After School, and Lunch Period 

   • Cell phones and electronic devices may be used before or after the school day, following the guidelines outlined in Policy 3245. Before the school day means prior to the first bell, and after the school day means after the final bell.

   • During the school day, cell phone/ electronic device use is permitted only during the scholar’s designated lunch period. 

4. Communication 

   • In the case of an emergency, parents or guardians should contact the school directly through the main office.

   • If a scholar needs to make an urgent call during the school day, they must obtain a pass and report to the main office to use a phone.

   • Scholars will be allowed to access their phones during their designated lunchtime to communicate.

5. Instructional Use 

   • Cell phones and other electronic devices will not be used for instructional purposes unless explicitly pre-authorized by an administrator for a specific educational activity.

   • Each school site has computer access for all students.

   • Exceptions may be made for documented accommodations outlined in a scholar’s 504 Plan, IEP, or Health Plan.

   • The expectation will be that students with these needs only access their devices for the purposes listed in their 504, IEP, or healthcare plan. 

This policy ensures minimal distractions and maximizes instructional time, while supporting students’ safety and individual needs. Repeated violations may result in progressive consequences. When cell phones/electronic devices are in use before or after school, students must adhere to the guidelines outlined in policy 3245. 

School Staff Cell Phone and Electronic Device Use 

Staff are expected to model cell phone and electronic device behavior during instructional time. While students are in class receiving instruction, staff should not be on their phones. When staff model the no cell phone policy, you’re not just following a rule, you’re actively shaping student behavior, maintaining classroom integrity, and strengthening the school community. 

1. Sets a Consistent Example 

   • When staff follow the same expectations as students, it reinforces the idea that the policy is fair, reasonable, and important. Students are more likely to take the rules seriously when they see adults modeling them. 

2. Builds Credibility and Trust 

   • Students notice when staff enforce rules they don’t follow themselves. Modeling the policy shows integrity and earns students’ respect. It communicates that everyone in the school community is held to the same standard. 

3. Supports a Focused Learning Environment 

   • If staff are frequently using their phones, it sends a mixed message and can create distractions. By keeping phones away, staff help maintain a classroom environment that values focus and minimizes interruptions. 

4. Reinforces School Culture 

   • Consistent adult behavior helps establish a strong school culture centered on shared values and expectations. Modeling the policy contributes to a professional, learning-centered atmosphere. 

5. Teaches Digital Discipline 

   • Adults serve as role models for responsible technology use. By demonstrating restraint and appropriate phone habits, staff help students develop healthy boundaries with their own devices.