Comprehensive Guidance

Definition

Student personal device use (including cell phones, earbuds, headphones, etc.) will not be permitted during specified times (listed below) and should be “out of sight and silent.” Note: Smart watches and smart glasses may be worn but not used for communication.

• Elementary: full school day
• Secondary: during class period (bell to bell)

Goal

• Ensure students are focused on learning and not distracted during the school day.
• Allow students and families to remain connected by allowing students to bring smart devices to/from school.

Implementation

• School teams will present expectations to students in the classroom setting.
• Expectations will be accompanied by conversations about digital citizenship, similar to those that apply when using school devices (e.g., Chromebooks or iPads).

Storage

• Phones will remain “out of sight and silent” during designated times of restriction:
  • Elementary: full school day
  • Secondary: during class period (bell to bell)
• Students will maintain possession of the phone, but it must be put away and silent during specified restriction time.

Enforcement

• The policy will be enforced by teachers in classrooms, and administrators as needed.
• For Secondary: School teams will leverage student support (ideas and messaging from ASB or student leadership) and celebrate successes.

Consequences

Elementary:

• The teacher will reteach/remind the student about the expectations.
• The phone will be taken and placed in the main office for parent/family pick-up at the end of the day.

Secondary:  

• The teacher will direct students to keep their cell phones “out of sight and silent.”
• The teacher will provide a locking pouch for the student to place the phone in. 
  • The student will maintain possession of their phone, but will not have access to it for the remainder of the day.
  • At the end of the day, the student will have the pouch unlocked.
• If a student has multiple infractions, there will be an increased lack of access and School Administration will partner with families to come up with a plan for the student.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the guidance will be considered by school teams under the following circumstances:

• Medical needs - students with medical devices
• Partnerships with families around student safety
• Language needs
• IEP, IHP, or 504 indication

For High School: Teachers may elect to make exceptions for special projects.

Safety

• Schools will use ParentSquare for school communications to families.
• Schools will follow Standard Response Protocols which includes allowing students to notify families in the event of an emergency upon direction of a teacher.