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Electronic Device Policy
We want to share important information about our electronic device policy for students in grades K-8. Spruance School will have a “no cell phone” policy during the school day.
Grades K-3:
Students will keep their phones on silent and store them in their book bags.
Grades 4-8:
Students must turn in their electronic devices to their homeroom teacher each morning. The devices will be kept in a locked closet where only teachers and staff can access them.
Important Notes:
Students are not required to use cell phones for school assignments. The main office is available if you need to contact your student.
Spruance School is not responsible for any lost or damaged phones that are not turned in. If a student does not turn in their phone, we will assume they do not have a phone that day. Cell phones or any other electronic device (hand-held games, AirPods, smart watches) will be prohibited and should not be visible during the entire school day. AirPods and similar personal listening devices, such as headphones, have no place in the structured learning environment of a K-8 school. Their use directly interferes with our core mission of fostering focused learning, clear communication, and a safe, inclusive community. This policy is designed to eliminate distractions, promote active engagement, and ensure the well-being of all students. According to the Spruance Code of Conduct, students who violate the electronic device policy will receive consequences.
Consequences:
1st Offense: Verbal warning, Phone/device taken until the end of the school day, restorative conversation, and documented parent contact.
2nd Offense: Written warning, Phone/device taken until the end of the day, Parent/guardian must pick up the phone in person, PBIS Minor, and 45-minute reflection time.
3rd Offense: Written warning, PBIS Minor, Phone/device taken until the end of the day, Parent/guardian must pick up the phone in person, meeting with school administration, and Morning or after-school detention.
1. What is the school’s general policy on student cell phone use? The policy varies by grade level. For grades K-3, students must keep their phones on silent and stored in their book bags. For grades 4-8, all electronic devices must be turned in to the homeroom teacher each morning and will be stored in a locked closet.
2. Why is the school implementing this cell phone policy? The policy is designed to eliminate distractions, promote active engagement in the learning environment, and ensure the well-being of all students. The school believes that devices like cell phones, AirPods, and other electronic gadgets interfere with the core mission of focused learning and clear communication.
3. What types of electronic devices are included in this policy? This policy applies to a wide range of electronic devices, including cell phones, handheld games, AirPods, smartwatches, and any other similar personal listening devices. There will be no headphones allowed.
4. What happens if my K-3 student’s phone is not on silent or is visible during the school day? The policy states that for students in grades K-3, phones should be kept on silent and stored in their book bags. If a device is visible or causing a disruption, the consequences outlined in the policy will apply, starting with a verbal warning and the device being taken until the end of the school day.
5. How will my child’s device be stored once it is turned in? For grades 4-8, devices will be stored in a locked closet where only teachers and staff can access them.
6. What if I need to contact my child during the school day? Parents and guardians should contact the main office if they need to get in touch with their student. The school staff will ensure the message is delivered.
7. What are the consequences for a first-time offense? For a first offense, the student will receive a verbal warning and Pbis minor. Their phone or device will be taken until the end of the school day. A restorative conversation will be held, and a parent will be contacted.
8. What happens if a student has multiple offenses? Consequences escalate with each offense. A second offense results in a PBIS minor, the device being held until the end of the day, and a parent or guardian must pick it up in person. The student will also have a 45-minute reflection time. A third offense includes a written warning, in-person pickup by a parent, a meeting with school administration, and either morning or after-school detention.
9. Is the school responsible if my child’s phone is lost or damaged? The school is not responsible for any lost or damaged phones that are not turned in as per the policy.
10. Is my child required to have a cell phone for school assignments? No, students are not required to use cell phones for school assignments. The school provides the curriculum and all necessary resources.
Thank you for your support in following these rules. We want to keep our school a safe and focused place for learning. We will have community meetings about technology and social media later this year. If you have any questions, please contact our Climate Manager, at vcarson@philasd.org, Mr. Carson,Climate Manager or the Dean of Students, Ms. Matthews, at dsmatthews@philasd.org.
