Suffolk superintendent announces 'bell‑to‑bell' cell‑phone ban effective Jan. 6, 2025

Superintendent Dr. John B. Gordon III told the board and school community that Suffolk Public Schools will implement a “bell‑to‑bell” cell‑phone policy when students return from winter break on Jan. 6, 2025.

Under the announced policy, students must turn off and stow phones when they enter school buildings (for example, in backpacks or lockers). The superintendent said the division will allow narrow exceptions for students with documented medical needs; parents must complete a form and provide physician verification so teachers and staff are aware of the accommodation.

Parents who need to contact students during school hours should call the school’s main office, Gordon said; staff will work to relay messages promptly and translation services (including language line) are available for families with language barriers. Teachers will retain limited, supervised uses of devices for instruction (for example, using ClassDojo, taking classroom photos or other approved instructional activities), but staff are expected to model the policy by not wearing earbuds or using phones during instructional time.

The superintendent’s announcement clarified that the ban covers smart devices beyond phones — including smartwatches and smart glasses — and that the full policy and implementing regulations are posted on the district’s SPS K‑12 website. He said discipline will emphasize proactive interventions: conferences with students and parent communication first, with additional measures used only if needed.

This item was presented by the superintendent as an administrative policy announcement to the board; no formal board vote on the policy is recorded in the meeting transcript.