At Mercy High School, we are committed to ensuring a faith filled learning community where students are fully present, form meaningful relationships, and pursue academic excellence. Rooted in our Catholic faith and the Mercy Core Values, we believe that limiting cell phone use during the school day supports student well-being and strengthens our Mercy sisterhood.

To that end, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, Mercy is implementing an “Off and Away All School Day” policy for student cell phone use.

FAQs

Policy Overview

Before and after school:

• Students may use their phones before 8:00 AM and after the end of the day dismissal bell.

• As a reminder, per the Student Family Handbook, the use of cell phones or any device capable of capturing images or videos is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas at any time.

During the school day (8:00 AM – 2:40 PM or after the end of the day dismissal bell for special schedule days):

• Cell phones must be powered off and stored in backpacks while on campus.
• This applies to all areas of the school: classrooms, hallways, alcoves, the McAuley Academic Center, Cafeteria, Gym/Auditorium Lobby, and other common spaces - even during unscheduled hours and permanent off-hours.
• Smartwatches are allowed to be worn for health monitoring purposes; however, all notifications and sounds must be turned off. Smartwatches cannot be used for texting or making calls during the school day and will be subject to the same enforcement rules as student cell phones. If this guideline is not respected, it may be necessary to reconsider the allowance of smartwatches during the school day.

Parent Communication and Emergency Procedures

• If a student needs to contact a parent during the school day, she may do so with the assistance of the Reception Area team, Counseling Department, Wellness Center, AMES, or a Mercy administrator.
• We know that student safety is a top priority for students and parents. This policy ensures that students can access their phones from their backpacks in the event of an emergency, if necessary. However, in an emergency, the most crucial priority is for students to follow staff instructions immediately. Cell phone use during a crisis can be a distraction and may hinder the ability to respond effectively to safety directives.
• Parents wishing to reach their daughter during the school day may:

• Email her through her Mercy Gmail account.
• Call the main office, and staff will promptly relay any urgent messages.
• Parents may send text messages to their student, realizing that the message will not be received until the end of the school day.

Consequences for Policy Violations

To ensure that the “Off and Away” policy is implemented fairly and consistently, Mercy will enforce a zero-tolerance approach to unauthorized cell phone use during school hours. This is essential for equity and clarity in our expectations.

Violations of the policy will result in the following:

1. First Offense: The student’s phone will be securely held at the Reception Area and may be picked up at the end of the school day. The student will be reminded of the Off and Away cell phone policy.
2. Second Offense: The student’s phone will be securely held at the Reception Area until the end of the day. 1 detention will be issued.
3. Third Offense: The student’s phone will be securely held at the Reception Area until the end of the day. 2 detentions will be issued, and a parent or guardian will be contacted and asked to partner with us in reinforcing the importance of this policy. The student will also meet with an administrator to reflect on the policy and discuss strategies to support success moving forward.
4. Repeated Offenses: Continued violations may result in additional consequences, such as loss of privileges, a meeting with administration and parents/guardians, or other appropriate measures.

In issuing consequences, our intent is not to be punitive. However, without clear accountability, our efforts to build a culture rooted in sisterhood, academic focus, meaningful relationships, and personal growth would lose their impact. Consequences help ensure that our shared values and expectations are taken seriously.

Partnering Through the Transition

We recognize that this policy represents a significant cultural shift, and we are committed to walking alongside students as they adjust. Just as we ask students to partner with us, we pledge to partner with students to identify and support alternative ways to engage during the day that reduce the urge to check their phones.