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Cell Phones at School Policy

STUDENT CELLPHONE AND MOBILE DEVICE POLICY

San Juan Unified is deeply committed to creating safe, vibrant, and distraction-free learning environments where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

To support student mental well-being, encourage deep focus in the classroom, and foster meaningful social connections, the School Board has adopted a comprehensive policy regarding personal mobile devices.

Why This Policy Is Needed
Research consistently shows that constant digital notifications significantly disrupt learning, lower academic performance, and increase social anxiety. By establishing clear boundaries around personal technology, we aim to give our students the gift of time—time to focus deeply on their education, engage in face-to-face community building, and minimize digital distractions during the school day.

What Counts as a "Mobile Device"?
This policy applies to all personal electronic devices. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Cell phones and smartphones
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets and personal laptops
  • Handheld gaming devices
  • Wireless earbuds and headphones

School-Level Expectations
Because our students have different needs as they grow, rules regarding when devices may be visible vary by school level:

  1. Elementary, Middle, and K-8 Schools ("Gate-to-Gate" Prohibition)
    1. Personal mobile devices must be turned completely off (or set to silent) and securely stored for the entirety of the school day.
    2. This policy is in effect from the morning arrival until the final dismissal.. It includes all instructional time, passing periods, recess, lunch, and school-sponsored activities during standard hours.
  2. High Schools ("Instructional Time" Prohibition)
    1. Personal mobile devices must be turned completely off (or set to silent) and securely stored during all instructional periods.
    2. High school students are permitted to use their personal mobile devices responsibly during designated non-instructional times only, such as passing periods and lunch.

School-Specific Storage Requirements
To best meet the needs of their unique campus layouts and student populations, individual schools have the authority to establish their own specific storage requirements. Depending on the school your student attends, they may be required to keep devices turned off in their backpacks, store them in lockers, or utilize specialized equipment such as secure pouches (e.g., Yondr) or classroom phone pockets. Please refer to your specific school’s supplement to this handbook for their exact storage protocols.

Policy Exceptions
We recognize that technology can play an essential role in accessibility and health. Legally required exceptions to this policy will be granted for:

  • Medical Needs: Students who require a mobile device for medical monitoring (e.g., blood sugar tracking) as documented by a physician.
  • Educational Accommodations: Students with specific device accommodations outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or English Language Learner plan.
  • Emergency Situations: As explicitly authorized by school administration or emergency personnel.

Progressive Discipline & Consequences
We want to support our students in building healthy boundaries with technology. If a student struggles to meet these expectations, our schools will use a progressive approach to help them get back on track.

Note: Individual schools may modify or adapt these progressive steps to best fit their school community and administrative structures. Please check your school’s specific handbook for exact local guidelines.

A typical baseline framework for progressive consequences includes:

  1. First Offense (Reminder): The student will receive a verbal warning and a reminder of the policy. The device must be put away immediately.
  2. Second Offense (Office Referral & Safe Keeping): The device will be collected by a staff member and turned in to the main office for safe keeping until the end of the school day, where the student can retrieve it.
  3. Third Offense (Parent/Guardian Conference): The device will be held in the main office, and a parent or guardian will be required to come to school to pick it up. A conference will be held to discuss support strategies.
  4. Continued Non-Compliance: Further infractions may result in an individualized behavior support plan and/or the loss of participation in school activities, social events, or other extracurricular privileges.

Family-Student Communication during the School Day
We understand that families occasionally need to reach their children during the day.

  • Urgent Messages from Home: If you have an urgent message for your child, please call your school’s main office at 916-979-8012.. Our staff will ensure your child receives the message immediately.
  • Student Outbound Calls: If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian during restricted hours, they may request to use a school phone in the main office.

 

Coyle Cell Phone Permission Slip