Soper Public Schools Personal Electronic Device Policy (revised 7/21/25)

Devices Off! Learning On!

To help students focus, reduce stress, and build real-life connections, Soper Public Schools has adopted a district wide “Disconnect to Reconnect” policy in alignment with Senate Bill 139. From the first bell to the last, all personal electronic devices must be powered off and turned in.

What the Law Requires:

Senate Bill 139 goes into effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to all public school districts.

For the 2025-2026 school year, each school district Board of Education shall adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices while on the campus of a public school district from bell-to-bell (Makes exceptions for medical needs).
Goes into effect July 1, 2025.

What the Policy States:

Policy includes the following:

Use of personal electronic devices is prohibited by students on the school campus from bell to bell (start to end of instructional day, including lunch and passing).
Includes any personal electronic device that can connect to a smartphone, internet, cellular/Wi-Fi, or similar device (cell phone, smart watches, smart headphones, tablets, smart glasses, etc.)
Does NOT include school-issued or school-approved instructional devices.
Violations will result in disciplinary action and will be handled according to the student handbook policy.

What’s Changing?

Beginning July 1, 2025, students will follow these expectations from bell to bell:

Not Allowed to be Used During the School Day:

Cell phones
Smartwatches
Earbuds or headphones
iPods or smart glasses
Any device that connects to a network

Allowed:

Before the first bell
After the dismissal bell
With explicit staff permission for instructional use
If medically necessary or as part of an IEP/504 plan

Why This Matters
When devices are away, students:

Stay more focused in class
Build stronger relationships
Perform better academically

(We’re not just turning off devices, we’re turning on learning.)

What Students Should Know

Bringing a phone is a personal choice. Soper Public Schools is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Devices must be turned in at the beginning of the school day to their designated teacher or location, they can be picked up at that location at the end of the school day, or if they are checking out early or leaving school early for an extracurricular activity.
Violations will result in disciplinary consequences as outlined in the SPS Student Handbook.

Consequences

· 1^st violation = Confiscate device until the end of the school day and will be a discipline write up.

· 2^nd violation = Confiscate device, parent or guardian is required to pick up the device from the school, plus 2 days in ISS with loss of privileges for the 2 days. (Ex. Extracurricular trips, school activities, etc.)

· 3^rd violation = Change of placement to Alternative school, online school from home, etc. for the remainder of the school year

· Administration has the right to use their discretion to amend or use other consequences on an as needed basis, if deemed necessary to best correct the violation depending on each scenario and situation that could present itself.

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