Aug. 1, 2024 ~ At the Aug. 1 regular Board of Education meeting, the Board approved Policy JTC – Personal Electronic Devices.

This policy was written in response to student, parent and staff member feedback regarding the distractions and disruptions that personal electronic devices can cause during instructional time. As an academic institution, our number one goal is to educate students while maintaining a safe learning environment. Personal electronic devices can cause interruptions in the classroom and may negatively impact students’ mental and emotional health. With personal electronic devices out of sight, student learning can take place in a more engaged and connected environment.

The policy states:

“The board is committed to having an environment in all schools that is conducive to learning; orderly; free from unnecessary distractions, and promotes the responsible use of technology by all individuals.

Recognizing that student use of personal electronic devices (i.e. cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, headphones, etc.) while in school can hinder or disrupt student learning, the board has established the following guidelines:

• Student use of personal electronic devices during the school day must be consistent with all board policies, including policy JCDA (Behavior Code), JTB (Student Acceptable Use of Technologies Policy), and the Code of Student Conduct as adopted by the board.
• Students may have personal electronic devices in their backpacks, lockers, or on their person as long as such devices are not visible during the school day.
• Student use of personal electronic devices is not allowed during the scheduled school day for early childhood through eighth grade students.
• Student use at the high school level of personal electronic devices is prohibited during class time unless being utilized for instruction as directed by the teacher. Student use of personal electronic devices by high school students during non-instructional activities (i.e. lunch, passing periods, as authorized pass, etc.), is allowed.
• Students may use personal electronic devices during the scheduled school day in emergency situations, or if necessary for the student’s physical health.

Violation of this policy will result in a student receiving age-appropriate discipline as determined by building administration and as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Such discipline may include the temporary or permanent forfeiture of a student’s right to possess or use personal electronic devices in school.”

We recognize that in today’s digital world, personal electronic devices are a part of our everyday life. But as a school district, we want to remove distractions from the classroom so students can stay engaged in learning. District administration and the Board of Education understand that this change may bring questions or concerns. Below is a list of anticipated frequently asked questions regarding personal electronic device usage during the school day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the district and Board of Education adopt a personal electronic device policy?

• The board is committed to having an environment in all schools that is orderly; conducive to learning; free from unnecessary distractions, and promotes the responsible use of technology by all individuals. The use of personal electronic devices while in school can hinder or disrupt student learning. By limiting this distraction, there is a greater potential for learning and overall academic success.

What is defined as a “personal electronic device”?

• Cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds and headphones are examples of a personal electronic device. If you have a specific question about if an object is a “personal electronic device,” please contact your principal.

When can my student use their personal electronic devices?

• Early Childhood through Eighth Grade: Student use of personal electronic devices is not allowed during the scheduled school day. Students should keep their personal electronic devices in their locker or backpack. Devices, including smartwatches, cannot be visible, worn or used during the school day.
• High School: High school students may not use personal electronic devices during class time unless they are being utilized for instruction as directed by the teacher. Student use of personal electronic devices by high school students during non-instructional activities (i.e. lunch, passing periods, with authorized pass, etc.), is allowed.
• All Students: Students may use personal electronic devices during the scheduled school day in emergency situations, or if necessary for the student’s physical health.

What if my child needs their phone in case of emergency (i.e. health issue, lockdown at school)?

• Students can have personal electronic devices in their backpacks, lockers, or on their person as long as such devices are not visible during the school day. Therefore, students may use personal electronic devices during the scheduled school day in emergency situations, or if necessary for the student’s physical health.

How do I contact my student during instructional time?

• If you need to contact your student, please call the school’s main phone line. Click here for a list of schools and their contact information. We encourage you to save your school’s phone number in your contact list for easy access.

What if my child needs to contact me during instructional time?

• All students have access to a school phone in the main office and may use it with permission from administration or office staff members. However, if there is an emergency situation, students may use their cell phone or smartwatch at any time to contact their family.

What if my child has a medical condition that must be monitored by their cell phone?

• Students may use personal electronic devices during the scheduled school day if necessary for the student’s physical health.

Will teachers still use cell phones as educational tools during instructional time?

• High school teachers may still utilize personal electronic devices for instructional purposes. At that time, they would give permission to students to use their personal electronic devices.

What happens if my student is caught with their cell phone during instructional time?

• As with all situations, administrators will follow the Code of Student Conduct. This may include temporarily or permanently revoking the student’s privilege of possessing or using their personal electronic devices in school.

Can my student wear their smartwatch to school?

• Early childhood to eighth grade students can wear smartwatches to and from school. However, these devices should not be visible during the school day. Smartwatches should be put in their backpacks or lockers until school is over.
• High school students can wear smartwatches to school and utilize them during non-instructional time. These devices should not be visible or used during instructional class time.