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Cell Phone Policy, 2024/2025 School Year

Sept. 2024
A goal of Delano Public Schools is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all learners, to rigorously challenge student thinking and to support individual student needs.  The use of cell phones and other electronic devices by students at the high school has undermined our ability to achieve our educational goals.

What research tell us

  • 97% of students use cell phones during school amounting to spending 43 minutes per day primarily on social media, YouTube and gaming. 

  • 72% of high school teachers report that cell phones are a major distraction in the classroom.  

  • As cell phone use has become prevalent among students, research suggests that anxiety has increased 134% and depression has increased 106%.  

  • Schools that have already implemented a cell phone ban report a 46% decrease in bullying among girls and a 43% decrease in bullying among boys.

In light of recent research highlighting the impact of cell phone use on student engagement, mental health, and overall classroom environment, the high school staff and administrators have collectively developed a new, consistent cell phone policy.

PURPOSE 
We believe restricting the use of cell phones during academic times will greatly increase student achievement and efficiency.  The purpose of the policy is to promote a  focused learning environment.  Note, the term cell phone pertains to smart phones and electronic accessories  including earbuds and smart watches when used in conjunction with a cell phone.   

EXPECTATIONS

  1. Cell phones, earbuds, and other electronic accessories and personal devices are prohibited during academic time*. 
    *Academic time is considered the time between the beginning bell and the ending bell of all periods 1 through 6, as well as during Advisory, Study Hall and WIN times.  
  2. Students may use cell phones when a teacher has given them permission for specific educational purposes.
  3. Any instance during academic time,  in which a cell phone is in use or heard without permission from the teacher, will result in the consequences stated below.  
  4.  Students are allowed to use cell phones during passing times and their lunch period. 

STORAGE OPTIONS

  1. During academic times, teachers may request students turn off their devices or switch them to airplane mode AND  place their phones in a designated location in the classroom.  
  2. Students are always encouraged to keep cell phones and other devices/personal items in their lockers.  
  3. Regardless of the teacher’s or student’s storage decisions, cell phones must not be heard or used during academic times.  

CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATIONS

  1. A violation of these rules occurs when a student’s cell phone is heard or used without permission during academic times.  
      a.  1st Offense - Staff member confiscates the device for the remainder of the period. Failure to comply with a teacher's request for a cell phone is insubordination and will result in further consequences.     
      b.  2nd Offense - Staff member confiscates the device and the phone is taken to the office. The student can pick up the device at the end of the school day.
     c.  3rd Offense - Staff member confiscates the device and the phone is taken to the office.  Parents will need to pick up the phone. 
     d.  4th Offense -  Administration will levy appropriate consequences and  meet with the student and a parent/guardian to discuss expectations and protocols and to create a cell phone plan.  

EXCEPTIONS to these procedures may be considered due to a student’s individual medical and/or educational needs identified in consultation and with the approval of administration.  

QUESTIONS
Please contact any of the High School Principals: Barry.Voight@Delanoschools.org,  Steve.Schauberger@Delanoschools.org,  Shane.Baughman@delanoschools.org.