STUDENTS: Personal cell phones, smart watches, wireless/bluetooth headphones are prohibited.

Common Q&A:

Q: What led to this decision?

A: To best understand this decision, it is important to understand the “why?” For us, it’s simple. It comes down to supporting the emotional and academic well-being of our students.

Q: How did you arrive at this decision?

A: The negative impacts cell phones continue to have are substantial. Our daily experience tells us this. We have also relied on extensive research that has been and continues to be done on this topic. What does the research tell us? Well, it’s very clear. Click HERE to read more.

Q: Don’t you already have a cell phone policy? Why not just enforce that?

A: We do have a cell phone policy. We also have come to learn through years of experience and new research coming out annually, that it just simply isn’t enough. Students are constantly distracted by their phones. Many are addicted. They find ways to use them. Improper cell phone use is our number one discipline issue (inappropriate phone use during instructional time, cyberbullying, harassment, avoidance, disengagement, sexting, etc).

Q: Is anyone else doing this?

A: YES! This movement is gaining momentum around the country and the world. HERE are examples of policies and actions some schools are taking to address this issue. The MN Legislature has also begun addressing this issue.

Q: What if I need to get in touch with my student?

A: To be blunt, parents/family contacting students consistently throughout the school day is one of the most frequent cell phone-related issues we face. Whether students claim a parent is contacting them or if parents truly are, this presents a tremendous challenge for staff. It impacts students in regards to the constant distraction, inability to focus, or, worse yet, negative impact on their mental health. As always, parents/family are able to contact the school and will be put in touch with their student. Students will be able to access their phones prior to the start of the school day and at the end of the day.

Q: Why can’t they have them at lunch or during “free time?”

A: This is a logistical impossibility for the school. Managing and facilitating this simply is not possible with more than 100 students. Furthermore, this increases the likelihood of phones being misplaced, damaged, or lost.

Q: The phone is personal property. How is this addressed?

A: The school will provide secure, individual lockers for students’ phones. The school has an obligation to educate students. This means creating the safest and most conducive environment possible for learning. Behavior, items, and/or situations that interfere with this will be addressed. This includes removing distractions from the environment when necessary. Our policy and procedures will dictate how we proceed if students do not follow phone expectations. Parents are encouraged to have their students leave the phone at home if they have concerns about this process.