As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and focused learning environment, we want to inform you of an important update to the Washington County Public Schools Use of Communication Devices by Students on School Property Policy, in compliance with Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order #33. This Executive Order requires all Virginia school divisions to establish a cell phone-free policy for instructional time by January 1, 2025. Executive Order #33 is focused on “eliminating cell phone use during instructional time and addressing the mental health issues arising from children’s social media and cell phone addictions.” This policy, approved by WCPS Board Members on December 9, will take effect on January 7, 2025.
In this policy, “Bell-to-bell” means from when the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instruction, until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the academic school day. “Bell-to-bell” includes time between classes for high school students, however, it does not include their lunch period.
Student use of cell phones/personal electronic communication devices within a school building during the school day is restricted to the following guidelines:
In Elementary Schools (Grades K-5), Cell Phone-Free Education Is:
Elementary school students will not be allowed to bring a cell phone/personal electronic communication device to the school building unless the parent/guardian files a request to the principal based on legitimate reasons such as safety or well-being of the student. If the request is approved, the principal will give directions for housing the cell phone during the school day.
This privilege can be revoked if a student does not follow cell phone guidelines.
In Middle Schools (Grades 6-8), Cell Phone-Free Education Is:
Middle school students will be allowed to bring a cell phone/personal electronic communication device to the school building. However, students will be required to power off and store their cell phone/communication device in their book bags when they enter the school building in the morning. Cell phones will remain out-of-sight during morning bus duty.
Students will store their cell phone/communication device in their lockers during the instructional day.
Students will be allowed to use their cell phone/communication device after the school day has ended.
In High Schools (Grades 9-12), Cell Phone-Free Education Is:
High school students will not be allowed to use their cell phone/communication device from “bell-to-bell” during the instructional day.
If cell phone/communication devices are brought to school, they must be stored and powered off.
High school students will be allowed to use their cell phones/communication devices before and after school, and during their lunch period.
During “bell-to-bell” instructional time, students must use school-based communication tools and platforms to communicate non-emergency needs with parents.
Parents should use school-based communication tools and channels to communicate emergencies during “bell-to-bell” instructional time.
Communication to students regarding co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and schedule changes will be sent through school-based emails during the instructional day.
Students who are enrolled in virtual or dual enrollment classes will be allowed to use their cell phones, earbuds, or headphones for instructional purposes only, with the principal’s approval. Disciplinary action may occur if a student fails to follow school guidelines.
Note: Students who require access to an electronic device due to a health concern as documented through a 504 plan, individual education plan, or official health plan may be granted access to their device as described by the plan.
At no time, are students allowed to use their device for photographing or videoing or utilizing the audio component unless the student utilizes earbuds/headphones. Evidence of not following these guidelines, disruptive use, or unlawful actions will result in disciplinary action and/or report to law enforcement authorities as warranted.
Disciplinary Guidelines for Students Not in Compliance with Policy
If a student refuses to follow this Communication Device Policy, an administrator will be notified, and consequences will be given. The following specific actions may be taken should a student fail to comply with this policy:
1st Offense: The communication device will be confiscated until the end of the instructional day. The parent/guardian will be notified as soon as is reasonably possible and the device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. This infraction will be documented and will result in a warning.
2nd Offense: The communication device will be confiscated and returned during a meeting with the parent/guardian. This infraction will be documented as a second offense.
3rd Offense: The communication device will be confiscated and returned during a meeting with the parent/guardian. This infraction will be documented, and disciplinary action will be taken in the form of a before or after-school detention.
4th Offense: The communication device will be confiscated and returned during a meeting with the parent/guardian. The infraction will be documented, and the student will lose the privilege of having a cell phone on school property during the instructional day for the remainder of the school year. Disciplinary action will increase in severity with any additional offense.
Use of Cell Phones/Communication Devices at School-Sponsored Events
Middle and high school students will be allowed to maintain possessions of their cell phone/communication device while participating in off-campus school-sponsored events such as field trips and sporting events. Students are required to follow all school and division-level rules regarding acceptable use of these devices while participating in an off-campus school sponsored event. A student may be denied use of the device at the discretion of the division employee supervising the student at the event. Should a student’s electronic device need to be confiscated while at the event, the parent will be notified as soon as is reasonably possible.
Use of Cell Phones/Communication Devices on School Buses/Vehicles
Cell phones/communication devices may be used on a School Board owned/leased school bus or vehicle by students being transported to and/or from school or school sponsored events. The device must remain in silent mode and not utilized for verbal conversation including placing or receiving calls. Students are not allowed to use the device for photographing or videoing or utilize the audio component unless the student utilizes earbuds/headphones. Evidence of not following these guidelines, disruptive use, or unlawful actions will result in disciplinary action and/or report to law enforcement authorities as warranted.
Cell Phone/Communication Device Liability
The Washington County School System will assume no responsibility in any circumstance for the loss, theft, or damage related to the use of a cell phone/communication device. Washington County Public Schools will assume no responsibility for unauthorized calls, texts, or photos on school grounds or school related activity that could entail criminal activity.
We believe this policy will create a better learning environment for all students. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school office. We value your partnership in ensuring a productive and healthy school experience for your child.
To view the policy, click here: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/wcps/Board.nsf/files/DBURD26D6C32/$file/JFC-R-20%20-%20Use%20of%20Communication%20Devices%20-%20REVISED%2012-09-2024.pdf