Update to Our Cell Phone Use in School Starting January 6th

Dear Parents, Students, and Staff,

We hope this message finds you well. At Rainier School District No. 13, we are committed to providing a productive and focused learning environment for all of our students. After careful consideration and research, we are announcing a new policy regarding the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices, i.e. earbuds, smart watches, smart glasses, etc., during school hours.

Effective January 6, 2025, JrSr High School students will no longer be allowed to use cell phones and other personal electronic devices on school grounds from the first bell of the day until the dismissal bell. HPE students will not be allowed to use cell phones and other personal electronic devices from the time they arrive on school campus until they leave school campus.

This policy is grounded in our ongoing efforts to ensure that our schools remain places where academic success and student well-being are the highest priorities. Research has shown that excessive cell phone use in school can significantly disrupt the learning environment, leading to decreased academic performance, higher levels of stress, and an increase in distractions both in and out of the classroom.
The Impact of Cell Phone Use on Students:

1. Academic Distraction: Studies find that students who use cell phones during school hours are more likely to experience difficulties in retaining information and concentrating during lessons. The temptation to check social media, text, or engage with apps can lead to a decline in focus and academic achievement.
2. Mental Health and Well-being: Research highlights the link between increased screen time and higher levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption among adolescents. Constant notifications and digital engagement can create stress and interfere with emotional well-being, impacting a student's ability to engage meaningfully with schoolwork and peers.
3. Social Development: Studies find that excessive cell phone use among teens contributes to diminished face-to-face communication skills. By reducing screen time during school hours, we hope to foster a school culture that emphasizes in-person interactions, collaboration, and relationship-building among students.

Policy Details:

•  Cell phones and personal electronic devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks from the first bell until dismissal.
• Any cell phone or personal electronic device seen during the times specified for them to be off and away will result in the phone being confiscated and turned into building administration and held until the end of the day when the phone or personal electronic device may be retrieved from the school. If a student violates this rule a second time, the phone or personal electronic device will be confiscated and turned over to the building administration. A parent or guardian will be required to retrieve the phone or personal electronic device. Further, violations of this rule will result in further disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the administration.
• The only exception will be those provided in law or rule, i.e. IEP, 504, for monitoring a health condition, etc.
• In the event of an emergency, students can contact their parents through the school office, where staff will assist in relaying messages.

We understand that this change may take some adjustment, and we appreciate your support as we work to prioritize the academic and emotional health of our students. Our goal is to create an environment that allows students to be fully present and engaged in their learning, while also helping them develop healthy habits that will benefit them beyond the classroom.
We encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the new policy and help them understand its importance in maintaining a focused, productive school day.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we strive to provide the best educational experience for all students in our district. If you have any questions or concerns about the new policy, please do not hesitate to contact HPE Principal Megan Keplinger at (503)556-0196 or Rainier JrSr High School Jeremy Williams at (503)556-4215.

Sincerely,
Chad Holloway
Superintendent
Rainier School District No. 13