Bell-to Bell, Device-Free Policy

District Stance: “District-Issued Only” In compliance with Kansas Senate Bill 2299, the district operates a “Bell-to-Bell, Device-Free” policy. The district’s official stance is: If the district did not issue the device to you, it is not allowed inside the school building. This applies to all classrooms, passing periods, lunch, and restrooms.

Absolute Prohibition on Personal Technology This policy applies to any and all technology not owned or issued by the district. If the district did not give it to you, it is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to:

• All cell phones and smartphones.
• Smartwatches, GPS-enabled watches/devices, and phone watches (Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.)
• Wireless earbuds/headphones (AirPods, Beats, etc.).
  • Testing Accommodations: The district will provide required headphones/earbuds for testing or instructional purposes as needed.     
• Personal tablets or gaming devices.

Off-Campus and Workplace Learning Expectations

• College Classes: College/Concurrent Enrollment Classes: Students attending college or concurrent enrollment classes may use personal devices while off campus. Upon returning to school grounds, devices must be left in the vehicle or checked into the Main Office immediately upon return to the high school.
• Job Shadowing / PLE / WBL: These are considered school-related learning experiences. Personal devices must be left in the student’s vehicle during the duration of these experiences. Use of a personal device during job shadowing or workplace learning is a violation of this policy.

Athletic and Activity Travel (Non-Instructional Trips)

• The Departure Rule: Students leaving for school-sponsored athletic or activity events (e.g., away games, music competitions) may retrieve their personal devices from their vehicle or another building-designated storage location only after they have been officially dismissed from their academic classes for travel. Buildings may determine the most appropriate storage location for devices prior to dismissal (e.g., Main Office, Athletic Office, etc.).
• Instructional Field Trips: This exception does not apply to instructional field trips. Field trips are considered an extension of the classroom, and the “Device-Free” building policy remains in effect for the duration of the trip.
• Usage: Once the athletic/activity bus departs school grounds, personal devices may be used at the discretion of the head coach or sponsor to coordinate late-night pickups with parents.

Authorized Storage

• Vehicles/Home: Students are directed to leave personal devices at home or in a locked vehicle.
• Main Office Check-In: If a student brings a device into the building, it must be checked into the Main Office or another building-designated location immediately upon entry. Buildings may establish additional procedures for device storage and retrieval based on operational needs.
• Backpacks: Backpacks are NOT considered an authorized storage location for personal devices.

Communication & Emergency Procedures

• Parent/Student Contact: Parent/Student Contact: All contact during the school day must occur through the school’s Main Office or other building-designated location.
• Emergency Phone Use: Students needing emergency communication may use a school phone in the Main Office or another building-designated location as determined by administration.

Exceptions (Last Resort) Personal device use is a last resort only for documented IEP/504 requirements or medical necessities. Documentation must be on file with administration.

Discipline Progression: If a device is seen or heard and was not properly checked into the office or other building-designated location, the following discipline progression will apply. Buildings may establish procedures for how confiscated devices are stored and managed based on the operational needs of the building.

• 1st Offense: Confiscated; taken to the Main Office. Student picks it up after school.
• 2nd Offense: Confiscated; taken to the Main Office. Parent/Guardian must pick it up.
• 3rd Offense: Confiscated; taken to the Main Office. Parent/Guardian picks it up + detention.
• Refusal to Surrender: Refusal to immediately surrender a device to a staff member is a cell phone violation and insubordination/defiance. This results in an immediate administrative referral, and the student will bypass the 1st offense (student pick-up).
• Continued Violations: Repeated violations may result in additional disciplinary consequences and/or parent conferences as determined by administration.
• Documentation: Violations will be documented in Skyward.