FPS 7-12
Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy
2026-27 rollout deck for staff, students, and families
Clear. Consistent. Pro-learning.
The why: protect attention, learning, and connection
Why this matters
The policy is not anti-technology. It is pro-focus.
1
Stronger focus
Fewer interruptions during instruction means more time on learning and less time managing distractions.
2
Healthier peer interaction
Phones away creates more space for face-to-face conversation, belonging, and school culture.
3
Clearer adult response
A common policy reduces guesswork for students and reduces “but in that class...” enforcement gaps.
FPS 7-12 Personal Device Policy | 2026-27
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The law: a statewide floor, not the ceiling
Michigan 2026-27
MCL 380.1303a
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, districts must implement a wireless communication device policy that restricts student use during instructional time.
Districts retain local flexibility for enforcement, emergency protocols, academic use, and additional restrictions.
Source: Michigan Legislature, Section 380.1303a; Gov. Whitmer press release, Feb. 10, 2026
FPS policy response
Our 7-12 approach is simple for students and enforceable for staff:
Personal devices are away and out of sight during the school day, including passing time and lunch.
Clear exceptions. Clear storage. Clear consequences.
FPS 7-12 Personal Device Policy | 2026-27
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Our FPS expectation: away and out of sight
The “what”
Throughout the entire building
NO Pictures
No recording or photography during the school day.
NO Phone Calls
Students are not taking calls in halls, offices, classrooms, or restrooms.
NO Texting
Messages can wait until after school unless an approved exception applies.
NO Social Media
Includes TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, Discord, etc.
Simpler rule for students:
If we can see it, hear it, or it is connected to your head - it needs to be away.
FPS 7-12 Personal Device Policy | 2026-27
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What counts as a personal device?
Definitions
A wireless communication device is any device capable of texting, calling, internet access, entertainment, navigation, photos/video, or email.
Cell phones
smartphones and devices with apps or web access
Smart watches
wearable devices must be used appropriately
Smart glasses
not permitted under this policy
Earbuds/headphones
academic use only when directed by staff
Tablets/laptops
school-issued or instructional use when directed
The key standard: school technology and personal technology are not the same thing.
Teacher-directed instructional use is different from student-choice scrolling, recording, texting, or listening.
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Where does the device go?
Storage options
Three ways to avoid the problem before it becomes a problem:
1
Leave it at home
The simplest option. No device, no distraction, no office trip.
2
Store it in a locker
Phone off/silent and out of sight for the school day.
3
Dock it if directed
A classroom caddy can be used when staff direct it as part of the routine.
Bottom line: students should not be carrying devices around as an active part of the school day.
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Exceptions: narrow, documented, and purpose-driven
When devices may be allowed
Medical need
Medically necessary devices are permitted.
IEP / 504
Special education programming or accommodations are honored.
School-issued devices
District-owned learning tools remain available.
Teacher-directed instruction
Lesson-specific academic assignments may involve devices.
Emergency protocols
Use follows the district emergency operations plan.
Default assumption
Away unless an adult has clearly authorized it for a documented or instructional reason.
Not a loophole. Not a negotiation. Not vibes-based.
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Enforcement: scaffolded, calm, and consistent
What happens when a device is out
The goal is compliance, not conflict.
Disciplinary measures are reserved for refusal to turn in a device or repeated negligence with the policy.
1st Offense
Warning + parent/guardian communication by teacher
Managed in classroom
2nd Offense
Parent/guardian communication by teacher
Device locked in office until end of day
3rd + Offense
Device locked in office
Parent/guardian must pick up
Replacement fee may be issued for lost lockbox keys.
Use the same response every time. Students can handle firm expectations; they struggle with roulette-wheel enforcement.
FPS 7-12 Personal Device Policy | 2026-27
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Staff response language: short beats sermon
Hallway and classroom scripts
A consistent script keeps the adult calm and the expectation clear.
Calm & consistent
“You know the policy - phones away. Let’s go.”
Friendly but firm
“If I can see it, it needs to be put away.”
Deflect & remind
“I get it - it’s hard to disconnect. Right now, focus is on class.”
Pushback
“The expectation is clear and not optional. Put it away or we involve the office.”
Repeat offenders
“We’ve had this conversation before. Put it away now so it doesn’t escalate.”
Avoid the debate. Name the expectation, give the choice, move forward.
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Rollout timeline: teach it before we enforce it
Implementation plan
1
May Staff Meeting
Introduce policy, share the why, review expectations.
2
May Dept. Head
Use Tuning Protocol to gather feedback and tighten procedures.
3
June 12
Smore communication to families and students.
4
August Orientations
Teach expectations directly to students/families.
5
First Staff Meeting
Rehearse response language and enforcement routines.
6
August 21
Final reminder email before the school year begins.
Key idea: families and students should hear the same message multiple times before the first day of school.
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Source notes
For internal review
Built from FPS 7-12 policy draft materials uploaded April 2026:
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Recommended next step: review this deck with Department Heads using the Tuning Protocol, then finalize staff-facing procedures before family communication goes out.
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