EHS Cell Phone Policy

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well. We continue to find it important to create the best learning environment possible for our students.  Working together as a whole school community will be needed as we highlight the importance of minimizing distractions during school hours.  A key area we need your support in is managing the use of electronic devices at school.    

Research shows that using electronic devices, specifically phones, during instructional time can significantly reduce student engagement and make it harder for students to stay focused on their learning. While we recognize the benefits of technology, it also can become a source of distraction, leading to missed learning opportunities, reduced participation, and difficulty in retaining information.

Our electronic device policy at EHS is:

Electronic devices may be used before/after school, during passing periods, and/or lunch. Examples of electronic devices include but are not limited to: tape recorders, radios, stereos, camcorders, pagers, CD/MP3 players, cellular phones, tablets, smartwatches, or wireless headphones. Students may use cell phones and/or headphones in classrooms for educational purposes with teacher or administrator approval. Cell phones should be silenced and

stored in student backpacks during each class period. Violations will result in confiscation and/or disciplinary action.

1st violation: The device is turned in to the teacher, the student picks it up at the end of the class.

(Parent notified)

2nd violation: The device is turned into the office, the student may pick up the device at the end of the

school day. (Parent notified)

3rd & subsequent violations: The device is turned in to the office, it may be picked up after school, and the student must surrender the phone at the start of the next school day (parent notified).

Cameras may be used at school, on school property or at school activities or functions ONLY if they are not disruptive as determined by school staff. Cameras shall not be used in the classroom unless the photographs, audio or videos taken are for an official or authorized school purpose. Cameras shall not be used in such a fashion as to inappropriately invade the privacy of others. No camera shall be used in any restroom, dressing area, or locker room. Cameras shall not be used, without permission, to record confidential material, such as classroom material, tests or grade book entries.  For the purposes of this section, "camera" shall be defined as any device capable of taking, storing, transmitting, or viewing pictures, audio recordings, and/or video. This includes cell phones and any other electronic devices with a camera feature.

Our goal is to promote active participation, better focus, and a more productive learning environment for all students.  Therefore, you can expect full implementation of our current policy in regard to electronic devices, including earbuds, smart watches, etc. at EHS beginning on Monday, Sept. 16th.  

If you need to contact your student during the day or get a message to them, you can do so by calling 620-341-2365.  We appreciate your understanding and support in reinforcing this message at home. Together, we can help our students succeed and make the most of their time at school.

Thank you for your partnership.