Student Use of Personal Communication Devices

As we continue to prioritize student learning, engagement, and well-being, we are updating our expectations regarding the use of all personal communication devices, such as cell phones, watches, airpods, tablets, gaming systems, etc.

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, all high school students will be expected to keep personal communication devices in their hallway locker or in the phone locker located in all classes. This includes WIN and Flex periods.

This change builds on the expectation we put in place during the 2024–2025 school year, which prohibited device use during instructional time. Since then, we’ve seen a meaningful increase in classroom focus and student engagement. At the same time, we’ve come to realize that further reducing daily distractions is necessary to better support students’ learning, social interactions, and overall well-being. We appreciate your partnership as we take this next step in creating a learning environment where all students can be successful.

Feedback from our community and school board, studying and learning as a school district, research, and the growing concerns about the impact of social media and screen time on adolescent mental health, have informed this decision. The evidence is clear: reducing access to personal communication devices during the school day supports greater focus in class, more meaningful peer connections, and improved emotional well-being.

Of course, if parents need to communicate with their child during the school day, please contact the office (715.425.1830) and we will be happy to share the message with them. We recognize that this change may be an adjustment for students and families. We appreciate your support as we continue to create a safe and engaging environment where students can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Research

• A Look at State Efforts for Youth Mental Health
• The Anxious Generation Book
• Take Cell Phones Out of the Classrooms, Educators Say (NEA)
• PEW Research Center
• What’s Behind the Ban on Cell Phones in K-12 Schools? John Hopkins

Expectations: Off and Away

Students in grades 9-12 will keep personal communication devices off and away in their hallway locker or classroom locker not on their person from bell to bell.

Enforcement

1st Offense:

Referral in Infinite Campus, student will turn off device and place it in a designated location until the end of the class period.Teacher notifies parents of offense.

2nd Offense:

Referral in Infinite Campus, student will turn off device and place it in main office phone locker through end of day. Student can pick up device from the office after school. Administrator will notify parents of offense.

3rd Offense:

Referral in Infinite Campus, student will turn off device and place in main office locker through end of day. Parent/caregiver will  be requested to pick up device from the office and have meeting with student and administration. Detention.

Additional Offense:

Referral in Infinite Campus, student will turn off device and place it in an office phone locker for 5 consecutive days. Parent/caregiver may be requested to pick up device from the office. Potential for detention up to in-school suspension and an individual personal communication device improvement plan will be developed.

Additional Items to Note

• The District shall not be responsible for the safety or security of personal electronic equipment that students choose to bring to school. Students who bring any personal electronic device(s) to school do so at their own risk to possible theft, damage, misappropriation of data/equipment, or other loss.
• At no time should a staff member go through or look in a student's cell phone. Legal considerations do apply to administrators with reasonable suspicion.
• Personal Device infractions may result in an Activities Code violation that could jeopardize participation in an activity or athletic competition.
• Failure to turn in your personal communication device upon staff request will result in an additional referral and consequences for insubordination.
• Offenses will be tracked per semester.
• RFHS Administration reserves the right to adjust consequences based on individual circumstances.