New Cell Phone Policy for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Winton Woods Families,  

In accordance with state law and after family surveys, staff input, board and administrative discussion, and student feedback, the Winton Woods Board of Education has approved a new Personal Communications Devices Policy, which will take effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

Under this new policy, students will be prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices during the school day (e.g., Apple Watch, iPad). Devices must be turned off, put away, and stored in bookbags, purses, or lockers throughout the instructional day.     

Why has the district decided to adopt this policy?

• There is significant research indicating the negative impacts of phones on students. These impacts include phone addiction, various aspects of social pressure aligned with social media and other online communication, and cyberbullying.

• We want our students to be fully engaged in their learning and in appropriate social interaction throughout the day. While phones can be used as tools, we have seen the distractibility and negative outcomes of phones often outweigh the benefits. 

Students may use their devices before school, after school, on the school bus, and during outside school events, but not during the instructional day.  

This policy is designed to support student learning, minimize distractions, and encourage meaningful engagement in the classroom.  

If you need to contact your child during school hours, please call the main office of their school. We’ll make sure your message reaches them promptly. Thank you for helping us maintain a focused learning environment.

Any school district-issued personal communications devices (e.g., Chromebooks or tablets) would be an exception to these restrictions; school district-issued devices are permitted during school hours (except as otherwise directed by a staff member). 

We appreciate your cooperation and support in ensuring a positive educational environment for all students. If you have any questions, please contact the main office of your student’s school.  

As always, go Warriors!