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Frisbee Middle launches cell‑phone pouch pilot as district plans AB 3216 implementation
Summary
Frisbee Middle School began a seven‑day pilot of lockable phone pouches to reduce in‑classphone use and related safety incidents; district staff presented a timeline for implementing Assembly Bill 3216 by the July 1, 2026 deadline.
Frisbee Middle School staff demonstrated a lockable cell‑phone pouch pilot and told the Rialto Unified School District board on Jan. 15 that early results show increased student socialization and reduced classroom interruptions.
Principal Alex Vara and lead student-services agent Dr. Robin McMillan presented the Frisbee pilot in the boardroom and passed pouches and magnets to board members as a demonstration. The pouches lock using a magnet and small steel beads; students deposit phones at the start of the day and teachers or designated staff unlock the pouch with a magnet when access is required.
Dr. McMillan said the district’s existing 2022 policy followed AB 272 and allowed middle-school devices to be turned off and kept out of sight during instruction; the 2024 Assembly Bill 3216 (Phones Free Schools Act) requires more restrictive rules and must be fully implemented by July 1, 2026. Principal Vara said Frisbee piloted the pouches for seven days and reported teachers’ observations that student socialization increased, class participation rose, tardiness between periods declined and classroom interruptions fell.
Safety Operations Supervisor Brian Harper described additional safety measures supporting the pilot, including site supervision plans, patrol support and professional crisis‑prevention training for safety officers. Harper said the district added patrol resources at Frisbee and placed officers in PE transition areas to close coverage gaps.
Costs and rollout: staff said the Frisbee pilot used roughly $10,000 to purchase 1,200 pouches and magnets and that the vendor provides a lifetime warranty, with a replacement turnaround of about two weeks for damaged pouches. Staff said magnets would be controlled by school personnel; students would carry pouches with them in backpacks during the day. The principal said the site will practice opening pouches during drills and refine procedures for emergency access.
Ending: The board commended the pilot and asked staff to include parents, students and employee groups as the district develops a timeline and communication plan to meet the AB 3216 implementation deadline.
