Electronic Devices (Updated 2025)

Our Philosophy

At Springfield High School, we believe it is essential for students to be responsible digital citizens. Our electronic devices policy reflects that belief and is grounded in mutual respect—respect for peers, staff, and the learning environment.

General Expectations

• Device use is allowed during lunch and passing times.

• Devices are not allowed in hallways during class Blocks, including Advisory, FLEX, Study Halls, and during Assemblies.

Classroom Use

• During class, all devices must be stored either in the classroom cell phone caddy or in student backpacks, not in clothing pockets.

• The administration will support a teacher’s classroom expectations that students store their phones in a designated classroom caddy.

• Devices should not be visible or used during class unless a teacher grants specific permission for an academic purpose, such as when a Chromebook is not sufficient.

• Permission to use a cell phone in one class for academic work does not transfer to others.

• Students must leave their phones in the caddy when leaving the classroom with a hall pass.

Violations and Consequences

• Students using devices without permission during class or in hallways during class time will be instructed by a staff member to put the device away (in the caddy or on the teacher’s desk).

• If students are seen using their phones without permission, they shall be written up for a technology violation in Panorama. (Teachers are encouraged to establish strong classroom routines and review those routines frequently.)

• Refusal to comply will result in the student being sent to the Main Office, where the device will be confiscated for the remainder of the class block and up to the remainder of the school day.

• If a student needs to make an emergency phone call during class, they must report to the Main Office.

Repeat Offenses

In preparation for Vermont's H. 480 law, which requires all school districts to enforce cell phone bans starting in the 2026–27 academic year, from the time students arrive at school until they are dismissed, Springfield High School is committed to aligning with this expectation by gradually reinforcing a culture of responsible and limited device use. The following progressive discipline will apply to students who receive repeated technology violations in Panorama: If a student is found in possession of their phone during this restriction, they will receive an OSS for the remainder of the day. If the infraction occurs after lunch, OSS will apply to the following school day.

• First Offense: After three written warnings in Panorama, the student will no longer be allowed to possess their phone for the remainder of the school day and three additional school days.

• Second Offense: After the first offense (Note: three original written warnings have already been given), a subsequent write-up will result in the following: The student will lose phone possession privileges for 5 school days.

• For example, if a student was issued a written warning on Monday, a second warning on Tuesday, and a third warning on Wednesday, they will lose their phone for three school days. Once they are able to have their phone again, if they are issued a fourth written warning, they lose their phone for an additional 5 days.

• Third Offense: After the second offense, a subsequent write-up will result in the following: The student will lose phone possession privileges for 10 school days.

• Fourth Offense: After the third offense, a subsequent write-up will result in the following: The student will lose phone possession privileges for the remainder of the semester or 30 school days, whichever is longer.

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.