District updates cell phone policy for next school year

Based on extensive research and feedback from nearly 12,000 students, staff and families, Adams 12 Five Star Schools has updated its cell phone policy. The updated policy will take effect in the fall of 2025.

Community feedback

You can view a more detailed summary of the community’s feedback on the district website. Some of the key takeaways from this survey are:

• Approximately 81 percent of survey respondents said that cell phones are somewhat or very disruptive to student learning in the classroom. 
• Approximately 53 percent of respondents said cell phones were disruptive to students during unstructured times such as lunch and passing periods. 
• Approximately 75 percent of respondents said cell phones contribute to bullying or threatening behavior during the school day.
• A little more than 60 percent of respondents either somewhat or strongly opposed requiring students to keep their cell phones in locked pouches. 
• About 67 percent of respondents said it was important that students have access to their phones during an emergency.

Changes starting for the 2025-2026 school year

This policy applies to personal technology devices including cell phones and wearable technology, such as smart watches.

Students in grades K-8

• Cell phones must be off or on silent and stored out of sight at all times during the school day, including passing periods and lunch. 

High school students

• Cell phones must be off or on silent mode and stored out of sight during class and academic settings. 
• Students may use their phones during non-academic time