FOCUS NOW! PHONES LATER

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is committed to our vision of “cultivating learning communities that spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and inspire success.” In order for us to realize this vision moving forward, we believe it is critical to remove a leading distraction from our classrooms: cell phones.

In the interest of our students’ well-being and their academic progress, WCPS will not allow student cell phone use during instructional time. We believe this will significantly help our students learn in the most positive and productive learning environment. WCPS has an existing policy on this matter, and we are placing a renewed emphasis on adhering to the policy in all of our schools.

It is clear that excessive screen time and social media use is impacting our students, particularly during the school day.

WCPS is beginning the 2024-2025 school year with a clear message:

The Washington County Board of Education previously approved Policy JICJ to establish rules and procedures for the use of students’ "personally-owned, electronic devices." These devices include but are not limited to: cell phones, tablets, smart watches, earbuds. Specifically, during instructional time (class time), the devices are to be kept out of sight and turned off.

The accompanying Administrative Regulation JICJ-R, defines instructional time as, “from the bell start time until the bell rings to the end of the instructional period.” This includes graded and non-graded courses, like study hall.

• IMPLEMENTING THE POLICY IN SCHOOLS
  Policy JICJ sets forth the rules for students using their personally-owned, electronic devices in schools. Schools must adhere to the provisions to make the Policy and the accompanying regulation. However, schools are permitted to make additional restrictions. For example, schools may not allow students to use cell phones in hallways during class change times. It should be noted this restriction is not a violation of the policy.

• DISCIPLINARY ACTION
  Students may be disciplined for using their cell phones during class time in accordance with WCPS’ established student discipline guidelines. A school administrator may take the student’s cell phone if a student is using the device during a time when such use is prohibited or if the use violates Policy JICJ. The cell phone may be released to the student’s parent or legal guardian if appropriate.

• PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
  WCPS greatly supports our partnership with parents, guardians, and caregivers to make this initiative successful with our students. We recognize that families also enjoy being able to communicate with their children during the school day. If you would need to reach your student for a timely matter, please contact your child’s school.
  
  According to Policy JICJ, a student may use their cell phone in an emergency situation, as determined by a supervising adult (i.e. teacher or school administrator).

• ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AND CELL PHONES
  It has been our staff’s experience that students in elementary school who have cell phones generally keep them out of sight and turned off during the school day. If a student violates Policy JICJ at the elementary level, it will be addressed appropriately.