ELECTRONIC PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES

ELECTRONIC PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES

The Missouri Legislature passed a new law (Senate bill 68) requiring all school districts to adopt clear policies restricting student use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day. This includes passing periods and lunch.

The law, which aims to reduce distractions and improve student engagement, takes effect on the first day of this school year.

The following is a quick look at what you can expect this year.

1. Students may not use cell phones, earbuds/wireless headphones, smart watches, or other personal electronic devices at any point during the school day, including transitions, lunch, and other non-instructional times.

2. Students in grades 5-12 will be issued locks and lockers to store their device during the academic day.

3. Considerations will be made for students with specific educational or medical needs as outlined in a student’s IEP, 504 plan or individual health plan.

4. In the event of an emergency, protocols are in place at every school.

Staff are trained to respond quickly and communicate effectively with students and families. In any crisis, student safety will always take priority over device expectations.

We recognize that our students will be adjusting to these new expectations in the first days of school.

You can support them by having conversations now about what will be expected. We look forward to working together with you to help our students learn and build productive and healthy technology habits.