Jane Addams Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Technology Use Policy- “Away for the Day”

• With your health and social well-being in mind, Jane Addams has adopted an “Away for the Day” policy with regards to personal devices. 
• Phones, music players, Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, and other personal devices should not be used during school hours (8:55 – 3:45).
• Filming a fight or disagreement is against policy. Sharing a video of people without their consent is considered cyberbullying.

If a student’s personal technology is out, seen, or heard then the consequence(s) will be as follows:

1st and 2nd incidents:

• The phone or device will be safely secured in the front office. 
• The student can pick up the phone or device in the main office after school.

 3rd incident:

• The phone or device will be safely secured in the main office.
• A family member will need to pick up the phone.
• A family member will need to come into school to create a plan with admin.

Laptop Use

Laptops should only be used for educational purposes, while always following individual teacher expectations. If laptop use is part of an educator’s daily routine the following expectations apply:

• When an educator says laptops at 45, students will close their laptops to 45 degrees and look up at their educator
• Laptops may only be used for educational purposes including websites and software directed by your educator
• Music and videos may only be accessed if part of the lesson

How will educators uphold this?

If technology is distracting a student from their learning, educators will provide an initial warning. If technology continues to detract from learning:

• The educator will communicate with the student and family
• If technology continues to be used for non-educational purposes, the educator will request admin support

Electronic Security, Safety, and Etiquette

• Use of school computers requires every student to agree to a Network Use Agreement. Students using school and district online resources from home (including the Source, Schoology, district subscriptions, and other online resources provided by a teacher) must also follow this policy.

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Supporting Focused Learning: New Districtwide Student Cellphone Procedure Begins May 4

Beginning Monday, May 4, Seattle Public Schools will implement a districtwide student cellphone use procedure across all schools.

We want to share why this change is being made and how it supports students.

What to Expect

The procedure reflects students’ developmental needs:

• Grades K–8: Phones will be “Away for the Day”, not accessible during school hours. 
• Grades 9–12: Phones will be “No Cell Bell to Bell”. Phones will be kept away during class, with limited access during lunch and passing periods.

This approach protects learning time while helping older students build responsible device habits.

School leaders will retain flexibility in storage routines and tools while maintaining the same expectations districtwide. Please be on the lookout for a letter from your school leader that explains your school’s storage routine.

Why This Change

Until now, cellphone expectations have varied from school to school, which has been confusing for families and inconsistent for students. Our goal is to ensure all students have the same clear, fair expectations and the best possible conditions for learning, no matter which school they attend.

What We Learned

District review, pilot schools, and feedback from students, families, and educators showed consistent results:

• When phones are kept away during instruction, students are more engaged and better able to focus 
• Fewer distractions lead to calmer classrooms and stronger learning experiences 

Research reinforces what schools see every day. Cellphones, even when not actively used, can interrupt attention, lower academic performance, and make it harder for students to refocus. Cellphone use can also contribute to increased stress, cyberbullying, and other well‑being concerns.

Supporting All Students

Students who need access to a device for medical needs or documented IEP or Section 504 accommodations will continue to receive those supports.

This procedure is not about punishment; it is about creating focused, supportive learning environments and clear expectations for everyone. Thank you for partnering with us to help students learn, connect, and thrive.

If you have questions, please contact us using Let’s Talk.

With appreciation,

Bev Redmond  
Chief of Staff and Public Affairs  
Seattle Public Schools