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More Focus. More Learning. More Together. Devices Off. Out of Sight. Not on You. You Belong Here. Think Learn Be MORE TOGETHER Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 www.sd25.us/morefocus

Revised Policy: Student Use of Personal Electronic Communication Devices

In an effort to support focused learning environments, build better digital habits, and enhance school safety, the Board of Trustees for Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25
(PCSD 25) has adopted a new policy regulating the use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day. The policy is effective immediately and applies to all learners across the district’s elementary, middle, and high schools. #MOREFOCUS
 

Board Policy 8506 - Student Use of Personal Electronic Communication Devices

More Focus. More Learning.

What's New?

Effective immediately, personal electronic communication devices must be turned off, out of sight, and not on the learner’s person during the school day.

Download FAQs

CellPhonePolicy_v1_prf4 (PDF)

Personal Electronic Communications Devices

Includes cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops.

Store Away

Devices may be stored in lockers, backpacks, bags, or vehicles.

Academic Exceptions

Allowed with teacher direction and
administrator approval.

Smartwatches

Allowed in elementary schools and high schools only if powered off or in “school mode.” Smartwatches are prohibited in middle schools.

Lunchtime Personal Device Use

Allowed for high school learners only.

Why the Change?

Creating Focused Learning Environments. Building Better Habits. Growing Together.

Studies show that healthy boundaries around device use help improve:

  • Learner focus and attention
  • Academic achievement
  • Social and emotional wellbeing
  • School safety and climate

This policy helps create a learning-first culture while supporting communication, meaningful relationships, and a safe environment for all learners.

Family FAQs

More Focus. More Learning. More Together. Devices Off. Out of Sight. Not on You. You Belong Here. Think Learn Be MORE TOGETHER Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 www.sd25.us/morefocus

Let's Work Together

In partnership with PCSD 25 families, we are committed to helping learners build
healthy digital habits. Together, we can think more, learn more, and be more together.

Contact your school
administrator with
questions or review the policy

Reminders

  • Photos/videos/audio may not be taken during the school day unless approved for a class project or during high school lunch.
  • Recording is never allowed in
  • restrooms or locker rooms.
  • The district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.

ARCHIVED: Policy Revision Process & Cell Phone Policy Committee

Now accepting public input (Inactive)

The District would like to hear your thoughts on the draft policy and procedure.

Draft Revised Policy

Draft Procedure

Email Feedback

Guiding Principles

  • Review, discuss, evaluate Policy 8506 – Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices.
  • Balance the educational benefits of technology with the potential disruptions caused by unrestricted phone use.
  • Create a safe, supportive, and effective learning environment while addressing the diverse needs of students, teachers and parents.
  • Support learning while promoting student well-being and safety

Review of Current Cell Phone Policy

  • Current Cell Phone Policy #8506
  • Discussion of strengths and weaknesses of the existing policy
  • Overview of how the policy has been implemented across secondary schools

Meeting Schedule

Meeting dates, times and locations are subject to change.

The Education Service Center is located at: 3115 Pole Line Road Pocatello, ID 83201.

Meetings begin at 5:00PM.

  • Tuesday, February 4, 2025
  • Wednesday, March 5, 2025
  • Tuesday, April 1, 2025
  • Additional meetings scheduled as needed

Committee Members

PCSD 25 Staff:
  • Tonya Wilkes, Director of Student Support Services
  • A.J. Watson, Director of Elementary Education
  • Susan Pettit, Director of Secondary Education
  • Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications
  • Raymond Knoff, School Board Member
  • Holly Lacey, Administrator, Pocatello High School
  • Steve Morton, Administrator, Highland High School
  • Ellen Laggis, Administrator, Irving Middle School
  • Jodi Prestwich, Administrator, Tyhee Elementary School
  • Aubrey Eldredge, Teacher, Greenacres Elementary School
  • Lyndsey Matthews, Teacher, Alameda Middle School
  • Maribel Mendez, Teacher, Century High School
  • Tara Jensen, Clerk
community Representatives:
  • Brian Blad, Mayor City of Pocatello
  • Amanda Prather, Parent, Elementary School
  • Darcy Brockman, Parent, Elementary, Middle School, and High School
  • Amber Tews, Parent, Middle School and High School
  • Lauren Dalton, Parent, Elementary and High School

Meeting Agendas & Materials

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