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District 208 to require full phone disconnect during class to comply with new law
Summary
Administrators described a uniform classroom procedure—students place phones in a holder and disengage during instruction—intended to align district practice with new state legislation restricting phone use in class.
District administrators described a uniform procedure to comply with recently passed state legislation limiting student cell-phone use during instruction. The administration said buildings and unions collaborated on the approach, which requires students to store their phones in a classroom holder for the entire period (a "total disconnect" that includes watches and similar devices during instruction). Chromebooks will remain available for instructional use, and students will be allowed to use phones during passing periods and lunch.
Administration said this replaces a prior colored-warning system that produced inconsistent classroom practice and noted the new procedure is already consistent with approaches used in other local high schools. Staff will inform families and students about the change during residency visits, open house and on the district website.
Board members praised the collaborative approach with staff and the union and asked about coding and reporting of disciplinary incidents under the new procedure; administration said it will provide guidance and reinform parents during the summer outreach.
