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Danvers adopts updated handbooks; high school adds classroom phone rules, SmartPass limits and senior-privilege talks
Summary
The school committee approved updated student handbooks that include new language on Google Workspace/ed‑tech privacy, a classroom‑no‑use cell phone policy with progressive consequences, a reduction in SmartPass hall passes from five to three per day, and administrators discussed a pending proposal for senior privileges at Danvers High School.
The Town of Danvers School Committee approved updated student handbooks for 2025–26 on Aug. 11. The new handbooks include three notable additions districtwide: a disclosure about Google Workspace and educational technology tools, an inclusive curriculum statement consistent with Massachusetts regulations, and the district’s parental/guardian guide.
At the high school, administrators described substantive changes to student conduct procedures, including a classroom “no‑use” model for cell phones: students will store phones during class and may access them during transitions and at lunch. Assistant principal Patrick Hamilton and principal Alan Strauss described a progressive enforcement model tied to the handbook’s revisions: first offense—phone turned in to the office for the day and parent notification; second offense—phone turned in and the student must check the phone in at the office for three consecutive mornings; third offense—phone held and the student must check the phone in for seven school days and administrators will meet with families; repeated violations can result in loss of phone privileges for up to 40 school days.
Administrators said exemptions will be made for documented medical needs and 504/IEP accommodations. They also emphasized the need for consistent teacher implementation and supports for students who show addictive patterns or social‑emotional concerns.
SmartPass, the district’s electronic hall‑pass system, will have eligibility changes: the committee was told SmartPass passes per student will be reduced from five to three per day to improve in‑class instructional time. The administration said it will track SmartPass data and notify families and teachers when students accumulate significant out‑of‑class time so staff can address attendance, social‑emotional needs and instructional loss.
At Danvers High School, students and a class adviser presented a three‑part senior‑privilege proposal discussed with administrators: (1) decorating (painted) parking spots as a fundraiser (the district sold 75 spots and has a scheduled painting date Aug. 21), (2) free admission for seniors to non‑MIAA championship school sporting events, and (3) early release/late arrival for seniors with academic, attendance and parent permission conditions. Administrators said the early release/late‑arrival idea is under development; they emphasized academic, behavioral and attendance criteria and the need for clear sign‑in/out logistics and coach/adviser coordination so extracurricular programs are not disrupted.
The committee approved the handbooks collectively; administrators said they will communicate handbook items and any new sign‑off requirements to families and staff before school opens.
