As we work together to create the best possible learning environment for our students, we’ve been reviewing our policy and procedures on cell phones and personal electronic devices. Based on recommendations from our Code of Conduct Team and our Building Leadership Teams, as well as emerging research, we’re making updates that we believe will benefit our students’ focus and overall experience at school.
We are also ensuring that we adhere to the Code of Conduct which was recently revised and readopted by the Board of Education. You can see the policy updates regarding cell phones here.
What’s changing at the high school:
- In the Classroom: Cell phones and other personal electronic devices (like smartwatches, earbuds, and iPads) will need to be turned off or silenced with notifications disabled, and stored away during class time. We’re asking students to keep these devices in their backpacks or lockers so they’re not visible or distracting.
- Recording and Speakers: Recording audio or video with any device will require permission from a school official. Also, portable speakers won’t be allowed unless approved in advance. This helps us keep the school environment focused and respectful.
- Medical Needs: We understand that some students might need their devices for medical reasons. We’ll handle these situations individually, so please let us know if your child requires an exception.
- Device Retrieval: If devices are used in a way that doesn’t follow these guidelines, we may need to temporarily confiscate them. We’ll make sure to return them according to our school rules.
The high school’s full procedures can be found here.
What’s changing at Draper:
- This school year all students will use their lockers to store phones, backpacks, and jackets/coats during the school day.
- Students will not be allowed to use their phones during regular school hours. Phones need to be turned off or silenced and stored in the student’s locker for the duration of the school day–not in a student’s pocket.
- Medical Needs: We understand that some students might need their devices for medical reasons. We’ll handle these situations individually, so please let us know if your child requires an exception.
- Students may appropriately use phones after school hours (after 2:50pm)
Draper’s full procedures can be found here.
Why this matters:
Research shows that high cell phone use can be a big distraction for teens. According to studies by the Pew Research Center and JAMA Network Open, excessive phone use can lead to lower attention spans and more stress, as well as affect sleep quality. We’re updating our policy and procedures to help reduce these distractions and support our students in focusing better on their learning.
We appreciate your support in making these changes work. To help you support us, and your children, and to find answers to many of your questions, please check out this webpage we’ve developed. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to us. Working together, we can make sure our students have a great and productive school year.
Thanks for your cooperation!
Best regards,
Craig Chandler, High School Principal
Tom O’Connor, Draper Middle School Principal