AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING CELL PHONE-FREE POLICY FOR STUDENTS
As a reminder In 2024, Governor Youngkin issued Executive Order #33 directed the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to provide guidance to school divisions to establish a cell phone-free education to promote the health and safety of Virginia’s K-12 students. Read the full executive order.
Current Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) policy, included in the Student Code of Conduct, prohibits the use by students of personal electronic devices during the academic day. This means that phones and other electronic devices such as smartwatches must be turned off and stored away for the entire school day. Please refer to the electronic devices policy noted below for complete details.
It is important to note that schools across the state that have implemented all day policies are seeing positive classroom changes such as increased focus, attention, comprehension, engagement, less cheating and improved academic performance. Additionally, teachers and staff report enhanced face-to-face peer interactions, reduced cyberbullying, fewer fights, and a decrease in social media-induced drama. Students also experience less stress and anxiety.
We understand that there will be situations when you need to contact your child during the school day. Parents and guardians can call the main office to have a message delivered to their student. Please note there are also exceptions for students that require a cell phone for medical needs or in the event of an emergency situation.
We are excited to move forward with this shared mission to provide the best educational experience possible for our students. As parents and guardians you are a vital piece of our community, and we look forward to working together to create the healthy academic and social environment all of our students deserve. Thank you for your support in meeting these expectations of our electronic devices policy.
2025-2026 CODE OF CONDUCT EXCERPT
C. Student Standards of Conduct, 12. Electronic Devices
ELECTRONIC DEVICES – Cell phones and personal electronic communication devices (smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, or similar devices) will not be used by students within the school building or on school grounds from bell-to-bell during instructional time. If a student brings a cell phone or personal electronic communication device to school, the device must be turned off and stored away from bell-to-bell during instructional time. The cell phone and/or personal electronic communication device may be confiscated by school staff, an administrator, or designee, and returned to the student’s parent. The school does not assume any liability or responsibility for theft or damage to such devices.
For clarity, the following definitions will apply to the above:
Cell Phone means a personal device capable of making calls, transmitting pictures or video, or sending or receiving messages through electronic means. The definition of cell phone is also inclusive of a non-smart phone that is limited to making phone calls or text messages, a smart phone that encompasses the above features, and other future personal electronic communication devices with the above mentioned characteristics.
Instructional Time means any structured or unstructured learning experiences that occur from the time the first bell rings at the start of the school day until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the academic school day.
Bell-to-Bell means from the moment a student enters the school building at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the bell rings at the end of the academic school day. “Bell-to-bell” includes breakfast, lunch, study halls, bathroom use, and time in between class periods.
Personal Electronic Communication Device means any personal device capable of connecting to a smart phone, the internet, a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connects to another similar device. Personal electronic communication devices may include some wearable devices such as smart watches, as well as personal headphones, laptops, tablets, and other future personal electronic communication devices with the above mentioned characteristics.
Stored Away means a cell phone or personal electronic communication device not being carried on the student’s person, including in the student’s pocket. Storage options include, but are not limited to, in the students backpack, in the student’s locker, or in a designated place in the classroom.
a. BSO13: Violation of school board policy regarding the possession or use of portable communication devices ES – Administrative Response Level 1, 2 SS – Administrative Response Level 1, 2, 3 The use of a cell phone or other video recording device by a student(s) for the purpose of recording a fight, assault, or other violation of the Standards of Conduct may result in suspension from school. ES/SS – Administrative Response Level 3