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Cell Phone Policy for the 25-26 School Year

July 18, 2025

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UPDATED CELL PHONE POLICY

In compliance with Missouri Senate Bill 68, Green City R-1 has updated their cell phone and electronic device policy for the 25-26 school year.  Cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic communication devices are NOT be allowed from the beginning of the school day until the end of the school day.

HIGH SCHOOL

Schools shall prohibit a student from using electronic personal communication devices from the beginning of the school day until the end of the school day. 

Communication devices are defined as a portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically.  Students will place electronic devices in their lockers before class begins. Students will be responsible for getting their phone at the end of the day.

Any violation of the Electronic Technology Policy will result in the following consequences:

• 1st offense – Phone confiscated for the remainder of the day and the student will serve 1 day of academic reassignment(ISS). The device will be returned to parents.
• 2nd offense – Phone confiscated for the remainder of the day and will serve 3 days of academic reassignment(ISS). The device will be returned to parents.
• 3rd and subsequent offense – Phone confiscated for the remainder of the day, 1-5 days of out-of-school suspension. The device will be returned to parents. Following the suspension, the student will turn their phone into the building administrator for the remainder of the year. 

ELEMENTARY

Developments in cell phone technology in recent years have resulted in greater communication opportunities. The use of electronic devices like cell phones in schools poses increasing risks of school disruptions, bullying, criminal activity, and academic dishonesty.

Use of cell phones and other electronic devices by students at school will be limited to the following guidelines:

• Cell phones/devices must be in backpack turned off or turned into the classroom teacher (as defined by the classroom teacher).
• Teacher permission is required prior to usage
• Use is for educational purposes only

Students needing to communicate with parents or guardians during the school day are encouraged to use the phone in the elementary school office.

Student cell phones, digital cameras and similar electronic devices will be banned in dressing areas. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

Any violation of the Electronic Technology Policy will result in the following consequences:

• 1st offense – Device confiscated, verbal warning from the office, parent will be notified, device returned to student at the end of the day.
• 2nd offense –Device confiscated and lunch detention will be served, parent notified and device returned to the parent.
• 3rd offense – Device confiscated, a 30-minute before/after school detention assigned, parent(s) will be notified, and the device will not be allowed at school.
• 4th offense – Device confiscated, academic reassignment (ISS), and parent(s) conference.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Will students still be able to use their school issued Chromebook?  Yes, students will still have the ability to use their school issued Chromebook to complete assignments.
2. How will we keep phones from being stolen from the lockers?  The district will provide combination locks for students who wish to be able to use them on their locker.  Students who want to bring their own padlock with key, must provide the office with a 2^nd key to be left at school.  If the student is unable to find a key, we will cut the lock off of the locker and the district will NOT be responsible for replacing the lock.
3. Can my child leave their phone in their car instead of placing it in locker?  Yes, students may leave their phone in their car instead of bringing it into the building.
4. Are phones allowed before and after school hours?  Yes, students will be able to have their phone until they go to their lockers at the 8:05 bell.  Students will retrieve their phone after the 3:24 bell and will be able to have it after school hours.
5. Can my child keep their phone in their pocket instead of placing it in their locker?  No students are not allowed to have their phones on them. 
6. Will cell phones be allowed while students are on the bus traveling to and from school?  Yes, we believe this is allowed at this time.
7. Will cell phones be allowed while students are traveling to and from the Kirksville Area Technical Center?  We are checking on this and will update when we have more guidance.
8. Will cell phones be allowed on field trips?  We are checking in on this and will update when we have more guidance.
9. Are there any exceptions to this no cell phone/smart watch rule?  The law allows for very few exceptions.  The law only allows exceptions for students who need devices for specific educational or health needs, such as individualized education plans or 504 plans under federal laws.  The law also allows for device use in emergencies (fire, earthquake, etc.) or for authorized educational purposes.
10. Where can I find more information about this new law?  The full bill can be found at https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/pdf-bill/tat/SB68.pdf .  Specific information about cell phone and  electronic communication devices can be found in the bill on page 62-64.