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High school to begin stricter cell-phone policy; students told phones must be stowed and may be confiscated if seen or heard
Summary
School leaders outlined a new cell-phone policy to begin in the coming quarter that requires phones to be stowed (silent or airplane mode) in student lockers; teachers may confiscate devices that are seen or heard. Exceptions, enforcement and accommodations were discussed.
School leaders told students and the board that a new cell-phone policy will be implemented beginning with the fourth quarter and emphasized expectations for students and staff as the district transitions.
District presenters said phones should be "stowed safely in silent or airplane mode in your locker." They added that if a phone is carried "on your person, on your body, if it's seen or heard, the teachers have permission to confiscate it." The presenters said staff and students will receive guidance to maintain consistent enforcement and that staff are expected to model compliance.
Administrators discussed exceptions and accommodations. The meeting record identifies at least one college-level class (calculus) where students are granted limited phone access on specific occasions to support calculator or technology needs; the presenter said such allowances will be handled on a class-by-class basis. Smartwatches are permitted unless used for communication purposes, at which point they are treated like phones.
Students asked whether seniors or other groups might be exempted; presenters said they had not created grade-based exemptions and noted the policy is intended to be applied consistently. Staff emphasized they will seek alternative classroom solutions where teaching requires technology students cannot access without their phones, and they said district Chromebooks and classroom resources will be used where possible.
Board and staff acknowledged implementation will have "hiccups" and asked for flexibility from students and teachers during the transition. District staff also suggested a possible local study through psychology classes to examine social anxiety related to reduced phone access, but no formal study was adopted during the meeting.
No formal vote on policy language was recorded in the public discussion excerpt; staff said they plan to implement the policy and hold class meetings to explain specifics with students and families.
