Kansas Public Schools

Kansas Public Schools

No Cellphone Policy - FNG

2025 - 2026

Kansas Public School's primary goal is to create a safe environment conducive to learning and free of all distractions that hinder the learning process. KPS announces the adoption of a "No Cell Phone Policy" at all school sites for the 2025-26 school year. This decision comes in response to a genuine concern for the well-being of our students and our commitment to fostering a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment.

Cell phones or PEDs (Personal Electronic Devices (Smart Watches, Ear Buds, Air Pods, Head Phones, smart glasses, etc.) have become a daily distraction to our students. Over the past several years, we have experienced an increase in discipline violations including videotaping fights, cyberbullying, and other inappropriate activities perpetuated by the misuse of cell phones.

Starting the first day of school for the 2025-2026 school year, no student will be allowed to possess or use a cell phone or PED during the instructional day. This policy will be a part of the 2025-2026 student handbook.

Devices must be kept in a student vehicle, left at home, or placed in a school-designated area (secured in the site office). If students bring their cell phones or PEDs to school, they are to take their cell phones or PEDs to their site’s designated secure location.  

This policy is in effect from the time a student arrives at school until the completion of the instructional day.  This prohibition includes all emergencies unless the student is directed to use a cell phone or PED by a school employee or other official. Due to the potential disruption a cell phone or PED (Personal Electronic Device) may cause to the instructional environment the disciplinary actions outlined below will be strictly enforced. 

Disciplinary Consequences and Action

Staff members have the right to confiscate cell phones when in violation of this policy. Students who refuse to relinquish a phone or other PED will be referred to the principal or designee. Rules governing insubordination will apply as outlined in the student handbook. 

Kansas Public Schools assumes no liability for the theft, loss, or damage of cell phones and other PEDs possessed by students who violate this school policy. 

Disciplinary actions for students who violate this policy are as follows:

First violation

1. Confiscate cell phone or PED.

2. The student will serve ONE (1) day of in-school detention.

Second violation

1. Confiscate cell phone or PED.

2. The student will serve THREE (3) days of in-school detention.

3rd violation

1. Confiscate cell phone or PED.

2. The student will serve SIX (6) days of in-school detention.

Subsequent violations

1. Confiscate cell phone or PED.

2. Out-of-school suspension.

FAQs about the new policy

Q - What is the rationale for students not having access to their phones during lunch and transitions?

A - Focus on Learning - Prioritizing school as a place for distraction-free learning.

1. Cyberbullying - Limiting/eliminating the opportunity for students to have pictures and videos taken of them by other students without their permission.

2. Minimizing inappropriate use of social media - The inappropriate use of social media is a problem throughout the country. Students will not have the opportunity to use social media during the school day.

Q - What if my child is ill or has an emergency?

A - Students will report to a nurse, administrator, counselor, or front office personnel, and they will assist them appropriately. 

Q - What if there is a school emergency?
A - The school will communicate through our communication platforms. Please ensure your contact information is correct in your parent portal and download the KPS mobile app.

Q - How can a student contact their parent during the school day?

A - A student who has an emergency and needs to contact their parent during the school day will be permitted to do so from the nearest office.  All students have a Chromebook and a school email that can be accessed during the school day. KPS suggests that this email becomes the main point of communication between the parents and students during school hours.

Q - How can a parent contact their child during the school day?

A - A parent should call the school if they need to get a message to their student. School personnel will relay that message to the student. Parents can email students using their school email. In the event of an emergency, a student will be removed from class and directed to the nearest office. 

Q - What if I need to contact my child about a change in their pick-up routine, etc.?

A - Please contact the school site office; they will deliver the message to the child. Parents can email their students using their school email. 

Q - Can my child use their phone AFTER school? 

A - Yes, this policy is in effect from the time a student arrives at school until the completion of the instructional day.

Q - Will my child be able to carry their phone in their backpack, purse, pocket, locker, etc., during the day? 

A - No, devices must be kept in a student vehicle, left at home, or placed in a school-designated area (site office).

Q - Where is the school's designated phone area?

A - Phones will be secured in the site offices.

Q - What is a PED?

A - A PED is a Personal Electronic Device; such as, but not limited to: Smart Watches, Air Pods, Headphones, Earbuds, iPods, MP3 Players smart glasses. 

Q - Will my child be able to text or communicate on their Smart Watch? 

A - No, this policy covers all cellular phones and all personal electronic devices (PEDs).

Q - Can my child use their AirPods, headphones, or earbuds? 

A - Not generally, but exceptions will be made for educational purposes approved by the school administration. 

Q - Can my child bring/use iPod, MP3, and other personal entertainment devices at school?  

A - No, not during the instructional day. 

Q - Can my child use their phone/device to take photos or videos of people, places, or events during the school day? 

A - No, the policies include all features of a cell phone. 

Q - Can they use their devices during lunch?
A - The lunch period is considered inside the instructional day; therefore, the no phone policy will be in place during lunch.