What is the policy for 2024-25?

K-12 – No personal devices accessed, used, or visible during curricular school hours.

Why is this policy being applied to all students if not all students were having challenges with personal devices previously?

We acknowledge that many students handle personal devices in a mature manner. However, students who misuse personal devices distract not only themselves but also those around them. This policy is intended to create the optimal environment for students to be stretched intellectually, connect socially, and feel the influence of the Spirit regularly. We trust that in time, even those students who handle personal devices well will be grateful for the improved environment and experience this policy facilitates.

What is included in the definition of a “personal device?”

• Cell phone
• Smart watch (any watch with the ability to communicate or access the internet)
• Earphones including ear buds
• Other internet connected devices as determined by administration

What are the new protocols for 2024-25?

• K-5 – No new protocols for students (though faculty enforcement of the policy has changed…see further below where consequences are detailed).
• 6-12 – Students who choose to bring personal devices onto school premises during the day must turn them off and then lock them in a Yondr pouch at the beginning of the day. The pouch may be unlocked at the end of the school day. The pouch may also be unlocked for high school students leaving campus on Wednesday during our extended lunch; it must be locked again when they return to campus. The school will issue a school-owned Yondr pouch to any middle or high school student who prefers to bring their personal devices with them rather than leave them at home.

How do I contact my child during school?

• Please feel free to reach out to the front office at any point throughout the day to contact your child. We are placing additional phones throughout both the lower and upper school buildings on which your child may call you as well.
• For high school students, you may also send an email that they can receive on their school-issued computer if desired.

Why is the school altering the limits on its personal-device policy?

• We have tried a variety of approaches through the years with differing limits on personal devices.
• We are ambitious in wanting to provide the very best environment for learning: high intellectual engagement, deep social connection and development, and regular spiritual exercise.
• We want the optimal environment because we want the best outcomes. We don’t want to settle.
• As well as things may have functioned with previous limits, we spend more time than we want to spendreminding and enforcing. We want to capture that time and reallocate it to value-added efforts that advance our students.

What will be the basis for exceptions to this policy?

• Parents whose children use smartphone apps for active monitoring of medical conditions may discuss an exception with an assistant principal.
• Students who receive an exception (and thus have access to their phone during the school day) are expected to avoid all uses of their phone that fall outside the scope of the exception. Students receiving an exception and found using their phones outside of the scope of their exception will be subject to the same schedule of consequences applicable to all students.

What are the consequences for students who violate the policy?

• 1st Offense – Personal device is confiscated and handed to an assistant principal. Device is returned to student at the end of the school day. The parent will be notified by the assistant principal.
• 2nd Offense – Personal device is confiscated and handed to an assistant principal. Device is returned to parent at their earliest convenience. The assistant principal will review the policy with the parent and student.
• 3rd Offense – Personal device is confiscated and handed to an assistant principal. Student is suspended. Assistant principal meets with parents to discuss plan for helping student.

If your student DOES NOT own a phone, smart watch, or ear buds, please complete the Technology Policy Parent Questionnaire.