In a decisive 6-1 vote, the Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) Board of Education has approved significant changes to the district’s personal electronic device policy, set to take effect on February 3, 2025.
This policy aims to address concerns regarding cell phone usage during school hours, tailoring guidelines to different educational levels to enhance the learning environment.
Policy Details by Educational Level
The revised policy introduces specific regulations for elementary, middle, and high school students:
Educational Level | Policy Details |
---|---|
Elementary School | – Personal electronic devices must remain in backpacks or personal storage bins throughout the school day. – Devices should be silenced or set to “do not disturb” mode. – If no storage is available, devices should be left at home. |
Middle School | – Devices must be stored in lockers or designated areas during school hours. – Access to devices is permitted during passing periods. – Devices should be on silent or “do not disturb” mode. – Headphones and earbuds are allowed only with school devices and teacher approval to support learning. |
High School | – Devices, excluding smartwatches, must be silenced and stored during class. – Teachers may provide secure storage options in classrooms. – Usage is allowed between classes and during lunch but prohibited during instructional time unless permitted by the teacher for educational purposes. |
Rationale Behind the Policy Change
Superintendent Dr. Michael Schumacher emphasized that the new policy responds to teachers’ requests for clearer guidelines to minimize classroom distractions and enhance student engagement.
He acknowledged the potential challenges during the initial implementation phase but assured that the district is committed to supporting staff and students throughout the transition.
“Our teachers have been asking for a policy for a while,” said Dr. Schumacher. “We feel like this is going to give them the teeth to enforce this universally.”
Community Involvement and Feedback
The policy development involved extensive community engagement, with input from parents, students, and educators. David A. Smith, the district’s Chief Communications Officer, noted that the policy considers the varying developmental stages and needs of students across different age groups.
“Our kids are different at different age groups,” said Smith. “Their needs are different, their developmental stage is different, and the team felt it was appropriate that they pay attention to that and have regulations that track with the different ages and their developmental stages.”
Disciplinary Measures
The policy aligns with the district’s Level 1 Disciplinary Action Chart. A first offense will result in an informal discussion with a staff member, and parents or guardians may be contacted. Repeated violations will lead to escalated disciplinary actions.
Implementation and Future Evaluation
Principals from Brookridge Elementary, Trailridge Middle School, and Shawnee Mission East High School reported that similar rules have already been successfully implemented in their schools, suggesting a smoother transition district-wide.
The district plans to spend the weeks leading up to February 3 ensuring that teachers and students are well-informed about the new policy.
Superintendent Schumacher indicated that data on the policy’s effectiveness would be reviewed at the end of the academic year to assess its impact and make necessary adjustments.
The Shawnee Mission School District’s updated personal cell phone policy reflects a commitment to creating an optimal learning environment by reducing distractions associated with electronic devices.
Through community collaboration and tailored guidelines, the district aims to support students’ educational experiences while accommodating their developmental needs.