Personal Electronic Devices on Campus

September 2025: Please have your child(ren) keep their powered down smart devices in their backpacks during the school day. This is especially important during testing season. Thank you!

Personal technology device considerations for smart phones, smart watches, step counters, etc.:

Devices that are capable of calling, taking photos, texting, and playing games/music (phones and smart watches) may be permitted if included in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Students bring devices to school at their own risk.

Devices that are capable of calling, taking photos, texting, and playing games/music (phones and smart watches) are not permitted to be used on school grounds during supervised before school line up from 7:35-7:50 a.m., and during school hours from 7:55 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.

Once students step onto school property during the above times, devices must be turned off and kept in their backpacks.

Staff will store devices in the office if students use them during the school day on school property, and the student is responsible to retrieve them at the end of the day.

If students need to contact parents, they must first check in with their teacher and may be permitted to go to the office to contact their family for emergency purposes only or forgotten items from home. Fitbits/pedometers are approved as long as they don’t have calling, texting, etc. capabilities.

Beginning Monday, May 4, 2026 Seattle Public Schools will implement a districtwide student cellphone use procedure across all schools.

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District Updates

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