Classes begin in less than a month for USD 253 Emporia school students, and the district has now outlined details of its adherence to the state’s new “Bell to Bell, No Cell” policy on electronic devices.
USD 253 Community Relations and Marketing says students will not have access to a list of personal communication devices while on district property during a given school day. Items like cell phones, smart watches, tablets, wireless earbuds and other personal electronics “that allow communication” are on the list.
Also, devices must be powered off when students arrive to their respective school. If students need to call parents or guardians, they will have “reasonable” access to a school-provided phone or communication device.
Policies often have exceptions, and the bell-to-bell cell phone policy is no exception. Students who have approval from a licensed physician can use personal devices. So can students who have cell phone use required through Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs. And students can use their devices at school-sponsored activities, events and programs that happen before and after the regular school day.
Violations will initially be handled with confiscation, followed by actions as outlined in the USD 253 Student Code of Conduct.
