Dear Panther families,
As you may know, Oklahoma legislators recently passed a new law that will prohibit students across the state from using their cell phones and other personal electronic devices while on campus during the school day next school year. As required by law, our Board of Education has recently approved a policy outlining local guidelines for this new mandate. The policy can be read here.
Ultimately, the purpose of this effort is to protect instructional time and help students learn more effectively by minimizing distractions during the school day. We understand it will be a big change and will require flexibility and patience from everyone involved. By communicating about the law early this summer, we hope to provide students, parents, and staff with the opportunity to have their questions answered and to be prepared to implement the policy when school begins on August 14th.
While detailed information will be available by early August, here are the facts that I can share with you now:
● The law requires that schools be free of personal device use from “bell to bell.” This includes the length of our entire school day.
● The law applies to personal cell phones and other personal electronic devices, including, but not limited to, smartwatches, smart glasses, laptops, tablets, and smart headphones. It does not apply to school-issued or school-approved devices.
● Students who violate board policy may face disciplinary consequences.
There are exceptions to the law, including the use of a device:
● During an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a school safety/security issue
. ● When a student needs the device for a medical need, such as checking blood sugar.
● If the device is listed as necessary in a student’s IEP or 504 plan.
Please watch for detailed information later this summer about this new policy. Although it will be an adjustment, we believe the change will have a positive impact on our schools and our students – and we’ll be here to support you through the transition. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school office.
Thank you for working with us to create the best possible learning environment for students. We appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brett Knight
Pauls Valley Schools