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OFF & AWAY all day!   ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps are to place their cellphone and earbuds in their locker during the school day.

Our team has reviewed many resources and information available that demonstrate the negative impacts of cellphones on academic instruction. Our cellphone policy for 2024-2025, students are required to turn their phones off and lock them away in their lockers from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM (the entirety of the school day).  We have always expected phones and earbuds to be put up and away during school hours, yet the research shows that devices can still be a distraction and limit learning when present in the classroom, even in a pocket.  Please support our team as we strive to provide the very best academic and social experience for your students.  

We are committed to providing a school culture that is focused on education and providing opportunities for students to grow, and it is clear that cell phones/devices are an ever-present distraction from that mission. Linked are some of the articles and research that have helped shape this policy revision. Please review and discuss with your student.

Links for review:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. “What if I need to get in contact with my child during the school day?” 

While it is certainly convenient and reassuring to text your student during the day, the cost of having immediate access is not worth the interruptions during the school day. If you must contact your child during their educational day please call the front office and we will gladly send them a message in between classes.

2. What if my student needs to contact me?

There are phones in each classroom and phones in every office for student to use as necessary.  ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps should connect with the nearest adult to make a call as needed.

3. “What if there is a safety issue such as an Active Shooter situation or natural disaster; isn’t my child safer with a cell phone?” 

No. Safety experts across the country report that during such a situation it is crucial for students to have their full attention on the present adult and not the distraction of texting friends or family. Notifications sounding and breaking the silence and concentration during such an event places a student at more risk, not less.

4. “Will restricting phone usage take away from my child’s opportunity to learn digital citizenship?” 

That is a fair question. During advisory classes, students will be introduced to digital citizenship lessons on various topics such as digital footprint, safety, and social media suggestions. In addition, parents may instruct students on their own expectations and guidelines as well as establish safe media practices at home.

5. What if my student needs a phone for a school project?

ASD-issued Chromebooks are capable of meeting the technological needs of students, and unlike personal devices, they are monitored by our Gaggle system for inappropriate content, signs of harassment, or self-harm.