To address the negative mental health, student learning and social emotional impact of the misuse of technology on students, WCSD will partner with our stakeholders and launch a “Phone Away & Learn Today” campaign and launch a pilot implementation of revised Administrative Regulation 5810 during semester 2 of the 2024-2025 school year.

1. Why is the district implementing a “Phone Away & Learn Today” pilot program for cell phone use in schools?
   
   The primary purpose is to reduce distractions, increase instructional time, enhance student focus, and foster better in-person interactions. Cell phones can often disrupt learning environments, and the misuse can negatively impact students’ behavior, well-being, and ability to learn.
   
   
2. When does the district-wide pilot program begin?
   
   While many schools have already implemented limitations on cell phone use in schools and classrooms, the districtwide pilot program begins after Winter Break on January 6, 2025.
   
   
3. What does the pilot program cover?
   
   The pilot program specifically applies to all cell phones, however Administrative Regulation 5810 outlines that other personal electronic devices such as smartwatches and other personal electronic devices used for non-educational purposes may not interfere with the instructional process. Personal electronic devices should be away from students during instruction unless specifically allowed by a teacher or school staff for an educational activity.
   
   
4. Can students use their phones before or after school, on the bus or during lunch?
   
   Yes, students are allowed to use their phones before school starts and after school ends, but they must put their phones away during class time. Phones are generally not allowed during lunch or break unless instructed otherwise by school staff for educational purposes or in special circumstances. Schools are supported in enforcing stricter regulations if cell phone use is deemed to disrupt the instructional process or normal school operations. The goal is to encourage more social interaction and physical activity during these times. Please refer to Administrative Regulation 5810.
   
   
5. What happens if a student is using their phone when they are not allowed? In accordance with Administrative Regulation 5810, Board Policy 5100, and Board Policy 5700, consequences for violating the principles listed above are as follows:
   
   1. For a first offense in which the inappropriate use is determined to be disruptive but not a safety issue, the behavior should be classified as a minor infraction.
      
      
   2. Three electronic device violations in a 10-school day period in which support for the student has been provided for the previous two electronic device violations will be classified as a major infraction either coded as “Disregard for School Rules” or “Disturbance of School Activities.”
      
      
   3. If in the judgment of school administration, any electronic device violation rises beyond the minor level because of a major disruption to the education environment or because of a safety concern, the infraction should be classified as a major behavior.
      
      
   4. Consistent with disciplinary practices for all minor and major behavioral infractions, progressive discipline steps as outlined in the School District’s Progressive Discipline Plan should be followed. Because school administrators have discretion to allow use of electronic devices for educational reasons, use of an electronic device is not explicitly referenced as its own behavior infraction in the Progressive Discipline Plan. However, use of electronic devices in the commission of a separate behavior infraction may include, but is not limited to:
      
      1. Threats to safety and well-being;
      2. Bullying, including cyberbullying;
      3. Discrimination, harassment, and intimidation;
      4. Instigation/promotion of fighting;
      5. Extortion;
      6. Sexual misconduct;
      7. Disregard for school rules;
      8. Disturbance of school activities and/or instruction; and
      9. Disturbing the peace.

   5.  After an electronic device violation occurs, the teacher or school administrator has the discretion to confiscate a student’s electronic device.
      
      i. The parent/guardian shall be notified, as soon as practical, of the infraction and that the device was confiscated.
      
      ii. Rules for electronic device use shall be reviewed with the student and parent, and the electronic device should be returned after such review.

   6. If an electronic device is confiscated for a third time in the same school year, at the school administrator’s discretion, a student’s privileges for use of electronic devices may be revoked for the remainder of the school year and can be applied to the subsequent year should there be fewer than 90 days remaining in the current school year. The school will work with the student’s parent/guardian to ensure the device is left at home for the duration of the school year.
      
      i. In applying their discretion, school administrators should consider factors such as whether the violation occurred due to a family, health, or safety emergency, whether the phone was used for educational purposes, etc.

6. Are there exceptions for student use of cell phones?
   
   Yes, exceptions may be made under special circumstances. Specific circumstances are for students with a disability which requires technology supports during instructional time through the 504 or Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. This typically occurs with medical documentation and/or a comprehensive evaluation of learning needs through a multidisciplinary team, which may include a school psychologist. A Section 504 eligibility team and IEP team follow clear criteria to approve accommodations. It is important to explore other Assistive Technology (AT) options beyond cell phones.
   
   The use of cell phones must still align with school policies. Using a phone for non-educational activities, such as playing games or texting, is not part of the accommodation and may result in disciplinary action.
   
   
7. What if a parent/guardian needs to reach their child during the school day?
   
   Parents/Guardians should contact the school office if they need to get in touch with their child. The school can deliver a message or arrange for the student to contact their parent without disrupting class time.
   
   
8. What if a parent/guardian wants to verify if their child is in class and not missing school?
   
   Infinite Campus contains records such as attendance, behavior, and transcript history. To verify whether their student is in a certain class, parents/guardians can log in to Infinite Campus at https://washoenv.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/washoe.jsp.
   
   
9. What if there is an emergency at the school, will students have access to their phones?
   
   If there is an emergency at the school, cell phones should not interfere with an emergency response, but once it is safe to do so, students will be able to have immediate access to cell phones.
   
   
10. Will the policy change if a student has an urgent need for their phone?
    
    In case of an emergency or special situation, students should speak with a teacher or school staff member to request permission to use their phone.
    
    
11. How will the school enforce the regulation?
    
    Teachers, administrators, and school staff in all WCSD schools will monitor student behavior and enforce the “Phone Away & Learn Today” pilot program in alignment with Administrative Regulation 5810. Students may be reminded to put their phones away during class, and incidents of misuse will be handled following the discipline guidelines (please see question 5 above).
    
    
12. What if a student needs to use their phone for a class assignment or project?
    
    Students may be allowed to use their phones for classwork if a teacher approves it. This would typically be for specific assignments, research, or educational apps that aid in learning. Students should always ask their teacher before using their phone for these purposes. Teachers should work with their administrator to seek prior approval and alternate technology tools (beyond a cell phone) should be used to the greatest extent possible.
    
    
13. How can parents/guardians support the school’s cell phone policy?
    
    Parents can help by encouraging their children to follow the school’s rules and helping them understand the importance of reducing distractions during school hours. Parents should also remind students to keep their phones off and away during class and respect the school’s guidelines.

Families play a critical role in supporting their children's healthy media usage.  Resources for adult caregivers include topics such as social media, healthy screentime habits, internet safety and more. Please click on the "Digital Safety" section of the WCSD Safe & Healthy Schools Toolkit for more information.