Electronic Devices (Updated 2026)

In accordance with Vermont state law, Springfield High School will be a cellphone free zone from arrival to dismissal. The state has tasked school districts with the implementation, facilitation, and enforcement with this law. At Springfield High School. Students who bring a cell phone onto campus will check their phone in with school staff and receive the phone at the end of the day. Additionally, all headphones, smart watches, tablets, etc. will be stored with the cell phone. Students who fail to comply with the law will be subject to disciplinary action.

Daily Procedure

1. As students arrive at school, they will go to advisory from 7:35-7:40. During this period, students will turn in their cell phones and smart devices to the advisory teacher. It is incumbent upon the student to be forthcoming with their devices and turn them into the advisory teacher. The Cosmo Code states to be truthful and communicate honestly. 

2. Students will not have access to their phones and smart devices until dismissal. There will be a five minute period at 2:30-2:35 where students will return to advisory to get their phones. At the end of that period, students will be dismissed. 

Communication with Families

• In the event that parents and/or guardians need to communicate with students, they can call the front office. The student would be released from class, with a pass, after the main office has called for the student. Students are not permitted to leave the classroom with anticipation of a call, only a contact from the front office. 

• In the event a student needs to communicate with parents and or/guardians, they will require a pass to the front office. The main office is for non-emergency calls. This would include but is not limited to…

  • Practice or rehearsal was canceled and they need to figure out transportation.

  • The student is choosing to stay after school for a sporting event and wanted to communicate that with home. 

  • The student forgot something from home and they needed it brought to school.

  • If it is an emergency please contact the main office for an administrator or a school counselor to come to the classroom. The administrator/counselor will handle the situation from there. 

River Valley Technical Students

River Valley Technical AM Students

If a student attends River Valley Technical School in the morning, they will follow the same procedures outlined above. Students will go to advisory to turn in their phones and devices. They will receive their phones and devices from advisory at the end of the school day. 

River Valley Technical PM Students

If a student attends River Valley Technical School in the afternoon, they will not go to advisory to turn in their devices, rather they will check-in in Room B101. An administrator and member from the ISS coordinator. will be there to facilitate that process. As the bell rings indicating the conclusion of advisory, those students will be released to attend Block 1. 

At the conclusion of their day at River Valley Technical School, students will go to Room B101 to retrieve their phones and smart devices. Students are then dismissed from campus.

Late Check-in/Early Check-Out

If a student checks in after advisory in the morning, the devices are stored in the main office and will be available for check-out at dismissal. Instead of reporting to the advisory at the end of the day, they will report to the main office. 

If a student is aware they are being checked out early, it is incumbent upon them to communicate with their advisory teacher and check their device in the front office. Students will arrive at the front office with a note written by their parent/guardian. They will receive their device at check-out. If a student is not planning to be checked out but there is a change, a front office staff member will retrieve their device from advisory. All of this is to limit classroom interruptions. 

Purpose

School is a place for rigorous learning and intentional engagement with new concepts and peers within the community. Cell phones and smart devices often increase distractions and can be disruptive to the learning environment. The purpose is with this new policy in accordance with Vermont state law, teachers will be able to facilitate learning with higher student engagement and there will be increased face-to-face connection among students and faculty. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can students leave their phones in the car or at home? 

Yes, students can leave their devices outside of school. If they do not turn in a device but are found to have a device, disciplinary action will take place. 

If a student is at an after school activity such as a sporting event, rehearsal or fundraiser, can my student have their device?

Yes, even though they are school sanctioned events, for extracurricular activities, students may have their device.

What if a student needs their personal device for a medical reason?

Students who have a documented medical condition and who need a personal device for monitoring their condition will be able to keep their device in accordance with their 504. All staff members who have that student will receive that documentation. 

What if it is an emergency?

Please review the guidelines entitled Communication with Families for more information. If there is an emergency at the school, official communication will be sent through keeping you informed. 

Refusal to turn over a device to an administrator is considered insubordination and will result in an out-of-school suspension for the remainder of the day.

Important Notes

• Theft of any kind is taken seriously, though it is not common at SHS. However, electronic devices are the most frequently stolen items—often from backpacks, unsecured lockers, or public spaces. While we make every effort to recover stolen items and enforce consequences, the school cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen devices. Please stay alert and protect your belongings.