Cell Phone and Personal Device Procedures

Students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices including smart watches and earbuds/airpods to school.

Angi McAndrews

Director of Student Engagement & School Climate

507.328.4300 | Email Angi McAndrews

Elementary School Procedure

Bamber Valley, Ben Franklin, Bishop, Churchill, Elton Hills, Folwell, Gage, Gibbs, Hoover, Jefferson, Lincoln K-8, Longfellow 45-15, Overland, Pinewood, Riverside, Sunset Terrace, Washington

If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student backpacks/lockers/cubbies during the full school day, including lunch/recess. Smart watches may be worn for telling time only.  

Middle School Procedure

Dakota, John Adams, Kellogg, Willow Creek

If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student lockers during the full school day, including lunch/recess. Smart watches may be worn for telling time only.

High School Procedure

Century, John Marshall, Mayo, CTECH, P-TECH 535

If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student backpacks/lockers or in a classroom collection container during class periods. Smart watches may be worn during class for telling time only. The device will remain in the classroom if the student leaves the classroom briefly (to use restroom, library, etc.). Students will be permitted to use cell phones during passing time and lunch. Students with an open hour are permitted to use their cell phones during Junior Privilege, Senior Privilege, RRS, or Apella in the following locations:

  • Century: North Cafeteria & Media Center

  • John Marshall: Cafeteria, Door 1 Atrium, Library

  • Mayo: First floor common areas

Alternative Learning Center (ALC) Procedure

Students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices including smart watches and earbuds/air pods to school.  If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will be collected and stored during the full school day.  Smart watches may be worn for telling time only. This applies to both day school and night school.

Middle School Alternative Learning Center (ALC) Procedure

Students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices including smart watches and earbuds/air pods to school.  If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will be collected and stored during the full school day.  Smart watches may be worn for telling time only.

Phoenix Procedure

Students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices including smart watches and earbuds/air pods to school.  If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will be collected and stored during the full school day.  This includes smart watches.

Additional Procedures

  1. Students who use their cell phone to monitor a medical condition (i.e. diabetes, epilepsy) may have their cell phone with them at all times, but must adhere to all other cell phone procedures. Please contact school administration if there is an essential need for a phone. In the case of medical necessity or emergency, a student should have a health plan or prior approval.

  2. Students who need to be in contact with their family during the academic day are to ask permission to use one of our school phones. Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to contact our main office if there is a message that needs to be relayed. 

  3. Students assume the risk of damage, theft, or loss when choosing to bring a phone to school. 

  4. Cell phone/device use of any kind is not permitted in locker rooms or bathrooms

  5. Wired headphones may be allowed at designated times for instructional purposes on school-issued devices.

  6. Cell phone/device usage during lockdown and fire drills is prohibited. 

  7. Guidelines for cell phone/device use for off-campus school activities (i.e. extracurricular activities, outdoor and service trips, school field trips) will be individualized depending on the specific trip and activities. Teachers, coaches or advisors will provide guidance.

Consequences for Use of Cell Phones and Personal Devices

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

First Instance

  • The staff member holds the device or turns it into the office.

  • Device is returned to student at end of day.

  • Document internally.

  • Caregiver is notified by staff.

  • The staff member holds the device or turns it into the office.

  • Device is returned to student at end of day.

  • Document internally.

  • Caregiver is notified by staff.

  • The staff member holds the device or turns it into the office.

  • Device is returned to student at end of period.

  • Document internally.

  • Caregiver is notified by staff.

Second Instance

  • The staff member holds the device or turns it into the office.

  • Device is returned to student at end of day.

  • Document internally.

  • School Administration notifies a caregiver that the next step will require caregiver pick up.

  • The staff member holds the device or turns it into the office.

  • Device is returned to student at end of day.

  • Document internally.

  • School Administration notifies the caregiver that the next step will require caregiver pick up.

  • The staff member holds the device or turns it into the office.

  • Device is returned to student at end of day.

  • Document internally.

  • School Administration notifies the caregiver that the next step will require caregiver pick up.

Third Instance

  • The device is turned in to the school office for a caregiver to pick up.

  • Document internally.

  • A plan is created with the School Administration and caregiver (the Device is held by the admin during the day OR there are no devices on site).

  • The device is turned in to the school office for a caregiver to pick up.

  • Document internally.

  • A plan is created with the School Administration and caregiver (the Device is held by the admin during the day OR there are no devices on site).

  • The device is turned in to the school office for a caregiver to pick up.

  • Document internally.

  • A plan is created with the School Administration and caregiver (the Device is held by the admin during the day OR there are no devices on site).

Logic and Reasoning for Implementation of the New Procedure

Improving Academic Performance

Recent research has shown that cell phone use in the classroom is a significant source of distraction. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology (2020) found that students who frequently use their cell phones in class tend to have lower academic performance. Similarly, an article in Education and Information Technologies (2022) emphasized that multitasking with cell phones negatively affects information retention and understanding.

Enhancing Mental Health

Excessive cell phone use has been linked to increased anxiety and stress among students. Research from the Behavioral Sciences (2023) indicates that the pressures of constant connectivity and social media can lead to mental health issues. A study in Clinical Psychological Science (2022) also found that students who use cell phones during class are more likely to experience social isolation and depression.

Creating a Better Classroom Environment

Cell phones disrupt the classroom environment, making it challenging for teachers to maintain control and for students to focus on learning. A review in the Journal of Computers in Education (2020) concluded that cell phones lead to increased incidents of cheating and reduced participation in class discussions. Moreover, an article in Education Science (2024) found that cell phone policies can improve the learning environment by promoting more face-to-face interactions among students.

Supporting Effective Teaching

Surveys and studies have shown that both teachers and students recognize the disruptive nature of cell phones in the classroom. Education Science (2024) revealed widespread support for measures to limit cell phone use and highlighted that teachers feel more empowered and effective when cell phone use is restricted.