Policies
Middletown Public Schools No. 7128
Cell Phone Policy
MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT CELL PHONE POLICY
The Middletown School Committee is committed to fostering an optimal learning environment free from distractions.
Given the current medical literature and well documented studies linking social media use and screen time with health and behavioral issues, action must be taken to address students’ personal cell phone and electronic device use in the School District[1].
This policy addresses the responsibility of the Middletown School District to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff members. This policy outlines the responsibilities of students, staff and parents.
The Middletown School Committee prohibits the use of electronic devices including personal cell phones and other personal electronic devices by students during the school day, except in cases of emergency communications or except as consistent with this policy or otherwise directed by the Superintendent of Schools.
Electronic devices covered under this policy are defined as students’ or any third party’s device, except those provided by the district, personal cell phones, mobile phones,and all other personal electronic devices capable of communicating data, videos, music, texting, messages, voice mail, and email. Electronic devices prohibited by this policy also include but are not limited to phones, tablets, smartphones, computers, smartwatches, exercise devices, gaming systems and earbuds.
All electronic devices, including cell phones and personal electronic devices, must be powered/turned off and stored out of view during school hours.
This policy applies to all students (K-12) during the school day and during other school-related activities as determined by the administration. Exceptions may be granted by the administration.
a. All electronic devices must be powered/turned off and stored out of view in backpacks, or designated storage areas if provided, or by other methods determined by the administration upon entering school grounds and remain off until departing from school grounds at the end of the regular school day.
b. Site based administrators, with approval of the Superintendent, will develop a protocol to secure electronic devices when confiscated or otherwise held.
c. Students are prohibited from utilizing District Wi-Fi or internet capabilities for any personal cell phone or personal electronic devices.
d. Students are prohibited from having possession of any electronic device, as defined by this policy, in any School District restroom/bathroom or other areas as determined by the administration.
3. School/Home Communication
a. Emergency Communication[2]: Should an emergency occur and contact with student is required by a parent or other designated individual, a phone call to the main office is the appropriate manner to effect an urgent communication.[3]
b. Non-Emergency Communication: Every student has been issued a district computer and email address. Parents or other designated parties may contact their child via the school provided student email address without disrupting other students or classroom instruction.
4. Emergency Situations
a. In emergencies, students may request permission from a teacher or administrator to use their phone in a designated private space.
5. Exceptions
Excepted from the restriction on use of electronic devices are student personal device or district device use that provide access to assistive technology necessary to comply with individualized student 504 plans, individualized education plans (IEP), medical needs such as glucose monitoring, and/or a plan to support emergent multilingual learners (MLL) students with appropriate language access programs and services to ensure the provision of appropriate, meaningful public education. The allowable exceptions shall be written into the student's identified plan and approved by the appropriate team or coordinator.
1. The policy will be distributed to all students, parents/guardians, and staff before the start of each academic year.
2. Staff will receive training on enforcing the policy consistently.
The Superintendent is directed to modify the student handbook to be consistent with this policy. The District will review the implementation of this policy annually and report to the School Committee any proposed changes to the policy or protocols. The District will maintain data and obtain feedback from stakeholders to guide amendments to this policy to ensure its effectiveness.
Policy draft: February 2025
First Reading: February 13, 2025
Second Reading and final : March 20, 2025
Effective date of policy: April 21, 2025
Review - May 21, 2026
3 Year Review Due - May 2029
[1] The below list of issues is not a comprehensive list, it is provided only to identify some of the most prominent issues that impact our students. Depression, anxiety, suicidal intent or harm to themselves, poor body image, feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping, increased risk of obesity, difficulty focusing or completing school tasks, significant mood changes, lack of social interaction, sexual harassment, bullying, cyberbullying and disciplinary incidents.
[2] Emergency Communication is defined as a death, medical emergency, or other urgent matters for the purposes of this policy. The School District has a robust Safety Plan in place to address emergency events and parents should look to the school department for communication. The development of the Safety Plan has included coordination with Town officials, Police, Fire, Subject Matter Experts and other critical agencies. The Safety Plan includes an emergency communication plan.