Shahala Cell Phone, Headphone, and Personal Electronic Device Policy

This year, we are continuing our school-wide cell phone, headphone, and personal device policy. There is a great deal of research that shows the negative impact of cell phone use at school. Students who are not distracted by phones during class have both better academic and social outcomes.

In summary, students will not be able to use phones, headphones, smart watches, or personal devices during class time OR in hallways during passing periods. Students WILL be able to use their phones before school until the first bell rings at 9:30 AM, after school when the last bell rings at 4:05 PM, and during their OWN grade level lunch time ONLY in the Commons/Cafeteria or outside. Click here to view our bell schedule.

During the appropriate times, students can still view messages like, “Don’t forget to ride the bus home today.” Parents with an urgent need to contact their student during class time should call Shahala’s front office at (360) 604 – 3800. We will help you reach your student quickly. Or, parents can call the school and we will deliver messages, reminders, and bus notes to students. Students may also come to the front office with permission from their teacher to call or text parents.

General Rules

• Cell phones, headphones, air pods, smart watches, tablets, and other personal electronic or smart devices should be silent and away during school hours. 

• The ONLY times students can use their cell phones and personal electronic devices include: before school until the first bell rings at 9:30 AM, after school after the last bell rings at 4:05 PM, and at their own grade's lunch time ONLY in the Commons/Cafeteria or outside during that lunch time.

  • • Example: 6th graders can only use their cell phones and personal electronic devices during 6th grade lunch from 11:35 AM - 12:35 PM within the Commons/Cafeteria or outside in the monitored areas during lunch time. This does NOT include hallway use.

• No cell phone, headphone, or personal electronic device use is allowed in the hallways at any time OR during the 5-minute passing time between classes.

• No cell phone or headphone use (or use of other non-educational technology devices) during class time, UNLESS directed by a teacher for educational purposes.

Classroom and Front Office Rules

• Cell phones, headphones, and personal electronic devices should be kept in students’ backpacks or in a classroom-provided pouch/bag during class time.

• Devices can still be turned on (but kept on SILENT mode) so parents are able to track device location if desired.

• If students need to use their cell phone for a specific reason, they must ask permission from the teacher first. Students may ask to go to the front office to make a call on the office telephone. We have a telephone on the front desk, in the health room, and in our conference room that students can use. 

• Students can ask office staff for permission to use their cell phones inside the front office area if they prefer to use their cell phone instead of the desk phone. If students cannot remember their parent's phone number, office staff will help look up their contact information.

Silent and Away means:

• • • Silent = no sound, ringer off, Do Not Disturb mode

    • Away = in a backpack or classroom pouch/bag, not in a student’s pocket

Consequences for Violating Cell Phone Policy

1. 1. 1. First Offense: Redirection from teacher or staff member. Warning and opportunity to put phone or electronic device away. The next intervention will be to place the device in a classroom-provided pouch/bag.

1. 1. 2. Second Offense: If a student requires multiple redirections from classroom teacher, student will receive a blue pass to go see Security for loss of phone or electronic device for the remainder of the school day. A phone call home from student and school staff will be made.

1. 1. 3. Third Offense: Family members/Guardians receive a phone call and must pick up the phone or electronic device from school. Office hours are from 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM.

1. 1. 4. Fourth Offense: The students’ cell phone  or electronic device will be placed on Out-of-School Suspension (OSS). The student must leave their device at home or relinquish it to the principal for the school day.

Accommodations

• There will be accommodations for special services, such as Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), Individualized Health Plans (IHPs), and 504s. For other cases, please contact the school to discuss arrangements.   

Email administrators (view Shahala Staff page) or call the Main Office: (360) 604 - 3800