Cell Phone Policy

Revised Cell Phone Police Adopted

We wanted to let you know that the School Board has approved a revised cell phone policy to take effect next school year. The revised policy is designed to promote a more focused and engaged learning environment for our students while still allowing access to phones for safety and emergency purposes. This is not a change from what our elementary and middle schools are currently doing.

What This Means for Your Student
The revised policy can be found here.  Note that it starts in the 2025-2026 school year:

• Devices “Off and Away”: Students will be required to keep personal electronic devices turned off and out of sight during instructional time unless expressly allowed by the school administrator on a case-by-case basis. Teachers may request (through their school administrator) that cell phones be allowed in class for a specific instructional purpose.
• Case-by-Case Flexibility: Exceptions may be made for health, safety, or emergency reasons, as well as accommodations outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP).  

We understand this is a shift and want to provide plenty of time for families and students to prepare, which is why it won’t be implemented until the 2025-26 school year. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering an environment where students thrive.

 

Learn More About Cell Phone Policies in Other Districts

Curious about how other school districts have approached cell phone use? Check out these articles and research studies to see the impact of similar policies elsewhere:

District Implementations

• McLoughlin

• Mt. Scott Learning Center - Portland

• North Clackamas 

• LAUSD

Articles

• EdWeek Article 

• NYTimes - Smartphones in Schools

• Oregon and Washington (OPB)

Research

• CBS - Our Connected Kids

• Academic & Emotional Impact Studies

• Case Study

Read More: The Anxious Generation