Student Personal Device Expectations

Can my elementary student bring a cellphone or other personal electronic device to school?

Students may be permitted to bring personal electronic devices, such as cellphones, smartwatches, tablets, or gaming devices, to school. However, families should be aware that elementary students are generally expected to have these devices turned off and stored in their backpack or locker from the start of the school day until the end of the school day, including lunch. Schools may also establish additional expectations that limit device use while students are on school grounds, including during supervised time before or after the school day. Individual schools may have additional expectations about whether and how devices may be brought to school.

What happens if my child needs to contact me during the school day?

If your child needs to contact a parent, guardian, or caregiver during the school day, they should follow their school's established procedures. Schools usually have the students go to the office to make phone calls. Families should not rely on students using personal devices to communicate during the school day.

What if I need to get an important message to my child during the school day?

Families should contact the school office rather than asking their child to check or respond to a personal device. School staff can help determine the appropriate way to communicate important information to your child.

Are there situations when my child can use a personal electronic device during the school day?

There may be limited exceptions. These can include an emergency or perceived safety threat, a documented health or medical need, use of a device as assistive technology through an IEP or Section 504 Plan, or an educational activity specifically authorized by a staff member. Staff will provide direction when an exception applies.

What happens if my child uses a device when they are not supposed to?

School staff may remind the student of the expectations and may ask the student to turn off and put away the device. If a student continues to use a device or does not follow a staff member's direction, the device may be temporarily collected. Depending on the circumstances and school rules, families may be contacted, and additional consequences may apply. Elementary schools may have specific procedures outlined in their school handbook.

Would this just be phones, or Chromebooks too?

Phones, Chromebooks, smartwatches, tablets, or any electronic device with a screen that can connect to the internet. We are not eliminating Chromebooks during the day or in class, as these are instructional tools.

Why aren't we just dealing with the students who struggle with phone/technology use?

We want to encourage face-to-face interactions and promote socialization with peers. Middle school students have a need to socialize and practice communication skills. Allowing phones at lunch has significantly reduced interactions and communication with each other.

How can I check in about my student's day?

We encourage families to use email via Canvas or call the school to have communication passed along. Students can use the classroom or office telephone if they need to call their parent/guardian/caregiver.

Will all staff be consistent in enforcing it?

Yes. This is district-wide.

How will you continue to teach students to use screens effectively and beneficially?

Through teachable moments, possibly in encore classes such as STEM, Health, Business, and Marketing. Digital citizenship lessons through our Library Media Specialists will continue to educate students.

How will messages to students be delivered?

Office Administration may relay messages to students by calling the classroom teacher or delivering a note when confidentiality is needed.

What will the school do in an emergency? How can I be in contact with my student?

During an emergency, the best way to contact your child is through the school office. If the school has an emergency, we will use our Student Information System to email, text, or call families.

What are the consequences if a student has their phone on them?

We will have a progressive process, as we do now, to address this.

• 1st offense: The phone is turned in to the office until the end of the day.
• 2nd offense: The phone is turned in to the office, and the parent/guardian/caregiver needs to pick it up.

Why aren't students allowed to carry their phones on them during the day, even if they aren't using them in class?

We are using the most recent research indicating that students at this age have difficulty regulating their screen use. Based on student feedback data, students have shared that they do struggle with using their phones appropriately.

What if a student needs to work on homework during lunch?

Students are not expected to work on homework during lunch. Some Middle Schools may consider offering a homework help opportunity during lunch for students who want to work on their homework or need to work on assignments. If a student needs to see a teacher during lunch, they can get a pass. We will continue to explore this as the need arises.

Will this set them up for real-world experiences?

Yes. This will allow students to be present with the people around them and strengthen verbal communication, empathy, active listening, and conflict-resolution skills—skills that are essential for building relationships, working in teams, and navigating professional environments. Feedback from workplaces is that young employees need to learn to avoid using their phones while working.

What supports will be in place for students who have anxiety about not having access to their phones during the day?

Early communication and family discussions are key to setting your child up for a successful transition. Our student services team will work with students who may need this. If there is an all-school schedule change, students will be allowed to use their devices to communicate with a parent/guardian/caregiver regarding the change, such as when coaches communicate changes or clubs are canceled, during the next passing time.

How will changes in schedules, such as sports or activities, be communicated when they happen during the day?

Infinite Campus email/call. In certain cases, we may need to allow students to use their phones to message information to a parent/guardian/caregiver during the next passing time.

Will there be limits to screen time in the classroom, too?

This will be discussed in the future and is being considered.

Where will phones be kept or stored?

At this time, this has not been decided. Most likely, they will be stored in students' lockers.

What is changing with cell phones and personal devices at the high school level?

Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, students may not use personal devices during instructional time. Students may use their devices during passing times and their individual lunch period. Devices must be put away and out of sight once instruction begins.

Why is the District making this change?

Wisconsin Act 42 requires school districts to formally prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time. AASD updated Board Policy 443.5 to align with state requirements. The expectation is intended to reduce distractions, support learning, and help students develop responsible technology habits.

What devices are included? Does this include school-issued Chromebooks?

The policy applies to personal electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, smart gaming devices, and other personal devices capable of sending messages, making calls, taking photos or videos, recording audio, or accessing the internet.

District-issued technology, such as Chromebooks, may continue to be used for instructional purposes as directed by teachers and staff.

When can high school students use their personal devices?

Students may use personal devices during passing times and their individual lunch period. Schools may also allow limited use before or after school. Individual schools may establish additional expectations for device use during non-instructional times.

Where should students keep their phones during instructional time?

Personal devices should be turned off or silenced, as directed by the school, and stored out of sight during instructional time unless an approved exception applies.

Are there exceptions to the restriction during instructional time?

Yes. Exceptions may be made for an emergency or safety concern, a documented medical reason, necessary assistive technology documented in an IEP or 504 Plan, or when a staff member specifically approves use of a personal device for a learning activity.

Families of students who need access to a device for a medical reason should work with the school to ensure appropriate documentation and plans are in place.

Can a teacher allow students to use a personal device for an instructional activity?

Yes. A staff member may specifically approve the use of a personal device for a learning activity. Otherwise, the device should remain put away during instructional time.

How can families contact students during the school day?

Students may check their personal devices during passing times and their individual lunch period. If a message cannot wait, families should contact the school office so the message can be delivered to the student.

What happens in an emergency?

The policy provides an exception for emergency or safety concerns. Students and families may also communicate through the school office when immediate communication is necessary.

Will the expectations be the same at every high school?

The expectation that personal devices are not used during instructional time applies across AASD high schools. 

What happens if a student uses a personal device during instructional time without permission?

Staff may confiscate a device when there is reason to believe it has been used in violation of school rules or Board policy. Responses will depend on the circumstances, severity, and frequency of the behavior and may include parent/guardian notification, loss of technology privileges, or school disciplinary action. More serious violations may result in additional consequences consistent with District policy.

What types of device use are considered inappropriate?

Examples include taking photos or recordings in bathrooms or locker rooms; photographing or recording students or staff without permission; using a device to cheat or during an assessment without authorization; cyberbullying, harassment, or threatening messages; and sharing inappropriate content.

Is the school responsible if a student's device is lost, stolen, or damaged?

No. Bringing a personal device to school is the student's responsibility. The District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.

Can students communicate with staff using personal phone numbers or social media?

School-related communication between students and staff should occur through District-approved communication platforms rather than personal phone numbers, personal email addresses, or social media accounts.

Does the policy apply to online activity outside of school?

The District may respond to off-campus online behavior, including social media activity, when it substantially disrupts the school environment or affects student or staff safety.

What is the most important thing for students to remember?

During instructional time, personal devices should be put away and out of sight unless an approved exception applies. Students may use their devices during passing times and their individual lunch period.