Distraction Free Schools Policy and Enforcement

Any personal device that can connect to the internet, including:

• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Smartwatches
• Laptops
• Headphones/earbuds with internet capability

District-issued devices used for learning are not included in this restriction.

While the ban is comprehensive, the policy does allow for important exceptions to ensure student well-being and educational needs are met:

• Educational Purposes: If a teacher, principal, or the school district authorizes it for a specific learning activity.
• Healthcare Needs: When a device is necessary for managing a student’s health care.
• Emergencies: In the event of an emergency.
• Translation Services: For students who need translation assistance.
• Student Caregivers: On a case-by-case basis, for students who are caregivers responsible for a family member's well-being. This will be determined after a review by a school social worker, school counselor, or school psychologist.
• Legal Requirements: When use is required by law.
• IEP/504 Plans: The policy cannot interfere with a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.

Please note that, as required by student privacy law, we must protect student confidentiality and will not be able to share details regarding which students are granted exemptions or the specific reasons why. We understand that students may notice that some of their peers are permitted to access their devices at certain times. While this may be confusing at first, please know that the district will implement this policy with fidelity for all students, while also ensuring that the needs of students who qualify for exemptions are honored respectfully and confidentially.  Thank you for your support in helping us create a learning environment that prioritizes focus, connection, and belonging for every student.

Families can still communicate with students using these school-approved methods:

• Call the school's Main Office
• Use ParentSquare or other school communication platforms
• Drop off written messages at the Main Office or fill out the building specific message form:
  • HS Contact Form
  • MS Contact Form
  • ES Contact Form
• Classroom phones may be used in emergencies

Reminder: Students may use personal devices before/after school and on the bus.

Students can store their personal devices using one of the following options:

• At home (strongly encouraged)
• Lockers (Grades 3–12, excluding Grade 5)
• Classroom storage bins (PreK–2 and Grade 5)
• Main Office secured storage area

Please note: The school district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.

A progressive discipline approach will be used for violations:

• First Offense: A warning, the phone will be moved to a designated storage location, and a phone call will be made home.
• Second Offense: A phone call home, the phone will be moved to the Main Office for student pickup at the end of the day, and the student will receive a Lunch/Afterschool/Recess Detention.
• Third Offense: A phone call home, the phone will be moved to the Main Office for parent/guardian pickup at the end of the day, and the student will receive two+ Lunch/Afterschool/Recess Detentions.
• Fourth Offense: A parent/guardian conference will be held, a Student Management Plan will be developed, and the student will receive additional Lunch/Afterschool/Recess Detentions. Student Management Plans may include provisions for indefinite "loss of privilege" around using lockers for device storage.

The complete policy is available by clicking here. 
It is also available for translation into the 12 most common non-English languages upon request.