Personal Electronic Devices

We encourage students in grades K–6 to leave personal electronic devices at home whenever possible. If a student does bring a device to school, it must stay powered off and stored in their backpack or another designated area for the entire school day.

Smartwatches may be worn but must be set to “Do Not Disturb” mode during school hours. They should not be used for texting, phone calls, or other communication during class time. If a smartwatch becomes a distraction, school staff will work together with families using the school's tiered behavioral support and response framework to address the issue.

At Fort Couch Middle School, we recognize that students in grades 7 and 8 are developing more independence and responsibility. To support this growth while keeping our learning environment focused and respectful, students may use personal electronic devices – including cell phones, earbuds or tablets – only when a teacher gives permission and for a specific purpose. When not in use, devices should be silenced and stored in a designated classroom caddy or kept in lockers (this includes during lunch, recess and free time).

Smartwatches may be worn but should be set to “Do Not Disturb” mode during class time. They should not be used for texting, phone calls, or other communication during instructional hours. If a smartwatch or other device becomes a distraction, school staff will work together with families using the school's tiered behavioral support and response framework to address the issue.

At the high school level, students are given more freedom to manage their use of personal electronic devices, such as phones, earbuds, laptops, and smartwatches. With that freedom comes the responsibility to use technology respectfully, maintain academic integrity, and avoid disrupting the learning environment. 

Students may use personal devices in authorized areas and at appropriate times, including during lunch, independent study, and class transitions. Use during class is only permitted with a teacher’s permission and should be brief and purposeful.

• Grades 9–10: Devices must be silenced and placed in the classroom cell phone caddy unless a teacher gives permission to use them.
• Grades 11–12: Students should follow each teacher’s directions regarding device use and whether to use the classroom caddy.

Headphones, AirPods, and earbuds are not permitted during class time unless a teacher specifically allows them for instructional use. Smartwatches may be worn but should not be used for texting or making calls during instructional time. As always, if a device becomes a distraction, teachers and staff will work with students and families to address concerns in a positive and constructive manner.

Prior to implementation of the Administrative Regulation, use of personal electronic devices was at the discretion of the teacher and could vary greatly The new regulation provides consistency in K-6, 7-8 and 9-12. 

For students in grades K-6, there really are no changes as students were not previously able to use personal electronic devices during the school day.

Fort Couch students will no longer be able to use devices during lunch and activity times.

High school students will see a greater/consistent use of device caddies in the classroom. Students in 9-10 will silence personal devices and place in caddies. For students in grades 11-12, it is the teacher's discretion to have devices in caddies. Acceptable usage will be consistently applied to all classrooms and restricted to instructional use only.

Students in kindergarten through grade 8 are prohibited from using devices during school hours - including during lunch and recess.

High school students may use their devices during non-instructional time - including lunch. 

No. All students are provide a district-issued Chromebook. Should a student need to contact his/her parents, phones are located in all classrooms and offices. If a parent needs to reach a student during the school day, they can call the school's main office at any time.

Yes. Students are expected to use their personal devices responsibly and within the guidelines of the Student Code of Conduct.

Parents should contact their building principal regarding the need for special accommodations. 

Our District staff has developed comprehensive resources to assist families with online safety and monitoring. 

Smartphone & Internet Use at Home Resources

For students in grades K-6, it is strongly recommended that personal electronic devices remain at home. Devices must remain turned off and in a bag or locker. 

Personal devices may be used for specific educational purposes in grades 7-8 such as interactive learning tool or using a calendar for organization. Unauthorized use would include gaming, texting, social media, internet browsing, etc.

For high school students, use of personal electronic devices in classrooms is permitted only when authorized by a teacher.

All district teachers will receive professional development training prior to the start of the new school year. While authorization will be at the teacher's discretion, parameters will be clearly articulated.

Students who do not follow the guidelines will receive discipline through a tiered behavior and response framework.

Personal electronic devices are never permitted in bathrooms, locker rooms, and swimming pool ares. Further, they are not to be used during any drill that could compromise safety.