Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, the following protocols will be followed at all times.
Personal Communication Devices, cell phones, smart watches, or other mobile communication devices cannot be used during the instructional day. Devices must be turned off, put away, and out of sight at all times during the instructional day, including, but not limited to while in classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, offices, locker rooms, restrooms, and during class activities outdoors.
Communication devices shall be turned off while students are at school and stored in a student’s backpack, personal bag, or locker. Devices should be off and away at all times.
The instructional day begins when a student enters the school; while attending school-sponsored activities (not including after-school athletic events if a spectator), or under the supervision or control of MCPS employees.
Devices can be used after school during non-instructional events or on school transportation in conjunction with personal headphones/earbuds. Music, videos, or other content cannot be played for others to hear and all transportation rules in effect for the school year shall be followed.
All forms of electronic devices not properly stored according to this protocol will be immediately confiscated by school personnel.
First Offense: The student’s phone is brought to the office for the student to pick up at the end of the day. The parent/guardian will be notified of this first offense.
Second Offense: The parent/guardian must pick up the device in the office during school hours: 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Third Offense: The parent/guardian must pick up the device during school hours and the student loses the right to have the phone in their possession while in school.
MCPS school personnel are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items that are prohibited pursuant to this protocol.
“Instructional day” means any structured or unstructured time when a student enters the school building and until the student exits the school building at the end of the day.
“Personal Electronic Communication Device” means any personal device capable of connecting to a smartphone, the internet, a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connects to another similar device. Personal electronic communication devices may include some wearable devices such as smart watches, as well as personal headphones, laptops, tablets, and other future personal electronic communication devices with the abovementioned characteristics.
“Stored” means a cell phone or personal electronic communication device not being carried on the student’s person, including not in the student’s pocket. Students may store the phone in their backpack, personal bag, locker, or designated area in the classroom.