District presents 'pack or park' cell‑phone recommendation; board to consider policy after further emergency‑response review

Beaverton School District staff told the school board on April 8 they recommend restricting student cell‑phone use during the school day under a “pack or park” model after more than 17,600 survey and engagement responses.

The recommendation: staff said devices for PreK–8 students should be packed or parked for the entire school day; high‑school and option‑program students would have devices packed/parked during class but would be allowed access during passing periods and lunch. “Pack” was defined as store in a backpack, locker or designated area; “park” as a designated classroom or school area.

Why it matters: District leaders said the change is designed to reduce distractions and support student mental health and “person‑to‑person” interactions, while preserving practical high‑school needs for communication around sports and after‑school activities. Staff emphasized the…