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Dorchester 02 policy committee debates how to meet state 'bell-to-bell' phone rule
Summary
At an Oct. 28 Dorchester 02 policy meeting, members discussed changes to policy JICJR to comply with a new state proviso restricting student phone access "bell to bell," focusing on whether high-school phones should be stored in backpacks or wall pouches, how to enforce searches, and documented exceptions for medical needs.
At a Dorchester 02 policy committee meeting on Oct. 28, members reviewed proposed amendments to policy JICJR (possession and use of personal electronic devices) to align local rules with a new state proviso that bars student phone access during the instructional day.
Speaker 1 (Unidentified speaker) framed the change as a state-driven requirement, saying "bell to bell is the new criteria," and noted elementary and middle-school language was already largely compliant while most edits would affect high schools. Committee members discussed operational options — continuing wall-mounted pouches, requiring phones remain in backpacks all day, or designating another district location for storage.
Several administrators described local experience enforcing the prior rule. Speaker…
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