Device-Free District

Weld RE-4 School District is now a personal communication device-free district for students.

Why?

Reports show that two-thirds of U.S. teenagers use social media every day, with one-third using it “almost constantly.” One longitudinal study of adolescents found that those who spent more than 3 hours per day on social media had “double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of anxiety and depression.” These troubling statistics are the tip of the iceberg for the negative effects of smartphone and social media use on our children.

Process

Before developing a districtwide approach to personal communication devices (PCDs), our team approached this initiative thoughtfully and with stakeholder input. Staff studied the data surrounding children’s cell phone use; researched other districts’ work in this area; and gathered input from parents, students, staff, and the larger community. 

Expectations by Grade Level

Students may keep their PCD during the school day, however they may only use PCDs on district property, on a district vehicle, or at a district or school-sponsored activity or event in alignment with our expectations. We are not responsible for loss, theft, or destruction of PCDs brought onto school or district property or while the student is attending district or school-sponsored activities or events.

Cell Phones - Elementary School (Grades K – 5)

  • All cell phones must be powered off and stored out of sight at all times while on school property.
  • Phones must not be used to record, video, or photograph others.

Cell Phones - Middle School (Grades 6 – 8)

  • Cell phones must be powered off and stored immediately out of sight upon entering the school building.
  • Cell phones must remain out of sight throughout the day and during after-school activities.
  • Phones must not be used to record, video, or photograph others without prior approval from an administrator and the consent of the person being recorded or photographed.

Cell Phones - High School (Grades 9 – 12)

  • Cell phones must be powered off and stored out of sight while in the classroom environment and while participating in after-school activities.
  • Cell phones may be used responsibly during passing period, lunch, or off-blocks.
  • Phones must not be used to record, video, or photograph others without prior approval from an administrator and the consent of the person being recorded or photographed.

Smartwatches – All Levels

Smartwatches must be silenced during the school day. They may be worn and used strictly as a timekeeping device. Use of a smartwatch for communication, gaming, notifications, internet browsing, or any other non-watch function during the specified restricted times will be treated as a violation of this policy and subject to the same consequences as other PCDs.

Earbuds or Wireless Headphones - All Levels

Earbuds or wireless headphones must not be worn or used unless otherwise instructed by the teacher. The use of these devices without explicit permission will be treated as a violation of this policy and subject to the same consequences as other PCDs.

Enforcement and Consequences

Elementary

  • First Offense (per academic year): Verbal warning and the offense will be documented by staff.
  • Second Offense:
    • Device sent to the office; student may retrieve it at the end of the school day.
    • Student will be assigned an educational activity on managing digital distractions and safe PCD use.
    • Parent will be notified by the end of the school day if a phone is confiscated.
  • Third Offense:
    • Parent / guardian will be notified by the end of the school day if a phone is confiscated
    • Parent / guardian must retrieve the device from the office during school hours by contacting the front office and making an appointment.
    • A behavior support plan will be implemented, if necessary, to address recurring issues with PCD misuse.

Middle School & High School

  • First Offense: Device sent to the office; student may retrieve it at the end of the school day. The offense will be documented by staff. 
  • Second Offense:
    • Device sent to the office; student may retrieve it at the end of the day. The offense will be documented by staff. 
    • Parent / guardian will be notified by the end of the school day if a phone is confiscated.
    • Student will be assigned an educational activity on self-regulation and responsible technology use.
  • Third Offense:
    • Device sent to the office; the offense will be documented by staff. 
    • Parent / guardian will be notified by the end of the school day if a phone is confiscated.
    • Parent /guardian must retrieve the device from the office during school hours by contacting the front office and making an appointment.
    • A behavior support plan will be implemented, if necessary, to address recurring issues with PCD misuse.
    • Further disciplinary actions may be implemented based on the behaviors involving a cell phone as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
Parent-Student Communication

We understand and respect parents' need to communicate with their children during the school day. Our process ensures that the line of communication remains open between parents and children.

  • Elementary & Middle School: Parents must contact the school office to communicate with students during the day.
  • High School: During class periods, parents are encouraged to contact the office to ensure timely delivery of messages, as students may not access phones in class.