Gervais School District
Cell Phone Policy Implementation Plan
In Response to Oregon Governor’s Executive Order 25-09
Summary
This plan ensures a safe, focused learning environment by minimizing distractions while maintaining clear channels for essential communication. Accommodation ensures equitable access and support for all students, and staff enforcement guarantees consistent implementation districtwide.
1. Hours of Restriction: School Days - Cell phones must be off and away during school hours on school premises.
During Passing Time and Lunch:
Cell phone use is not allowed during passing periods between classes or during breakfast and lunch breaks.
Storage Requirement:
Students must store phones in cell phone lockers, school lockers or backpacks and ensure phones remain off and out of sight during the instructional school day.
2. Communication Between Families and Students During the School Day
Office Phone: Families can call the school office and leave messages for students.
Message Delivery: Office staff or Office TAs will deliver messages to students as needed through the school day.
School Phones: Students may use classroom or office phones for urgent calls during the day.
Email Access: Students will have designated times during the day to check and send emails to families.
Pre-Arranged Check-ins: Families and students are encouraged to schedule regular check-ins before or after school hours for non-urgent communication.
3. Accommodations and Exceptions
Students with documented medical or health needs, translation services, educational accommodations/modifications, or social regulation supports will be provided with other mechanisms to meet the accommodations specified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plans.
All accommodation must be formally documented to ensure compliance and support.
4. Staff Responsibilities
All staff, including substitutes, must enforce the cell phone policy consistently throughout the school day.
5. Student Consequences of Cell Phone Violations
1st Offense: Phone confiscated; student may pick it up from office at the end of the day.
2nd Offense: Phone confiscated; parent/guardian is required to pick it up from the office at the end of the day.
3rd Offense: Phone confiscated and not allowed at school until the end of the semester.
4th Offense: Parent and Student meeting with the Administrator.
6. Prohibited Devices and Usage
No use of smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch), earbuds/headphones, iPads, or other devices that access the internet or text messaging is allowed during the instructional school day.
These devices present similar distractions and violate the intent of the cell phone ban.
Any exceptions must be included in IEP/504 plans and properly documented.
7. Communication and Training
The District will provide clear communication to families, students, and staff regarding this policy through handbooks, newsletters, websites.
Staff will receive training in policy enforcement and support procedures to ensure consistency.
Families are encouraged to support the policy by reinforcing appropriate phone use habits at home.
8. Exceptions
Certain exceptions may be allowed for out-of-school events such as athletics, field trips, college visits, etc.