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Cell Phone Policy

The FOCUS Act (Freeing our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety) is a new Alabama state law that will take effect beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. The law requires personal electronic devices to be turned off and stored away from a student’s person during the instructional day. This requirement does not apply during time on the bus or during approved educational use under staff supervision. The law also allows for limited exceptions, including: medical needs documented in an IEP, Section 504 Plan, or Health Plan, or during emergencies that threaten the life or safety of the student or others.

  • Wireless Communication Devices include: cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, earbuds, headphones, Bluetooth accessories, gaming devices, smart glasses, and similar items.
  • Students may utilize school Chromebooks upon teacher direction. 
  • Students may not use personal Wireless Communication Devices at any time during the Instructional Day.
  • The Instructional Day consists of all time between 8:20 AM and 3:30 PM and includes: classroom time, lunch, transitions between classes, and any school time in which students are expected to be actively engaged.
  • Students may possess Wireless Communication Devices during the Instructional Day but only if the Wireless Communication Devices are turned off and stored out of sight — in a backpack, locker, or personal vehicle. Wireless Communication Devices may not be carried on the student’s person (e.g., in pockets or worn)
  • Refusal to turn a device over to school employee when requested  will result in additional disciplinary action. 

Disciplinary Action

Week 1 - Reminders and ask students to put device away

After week 1

  • 1st violation: Call/text admin to location. Device taken by administrator; students may retrieve them at the end of day.Student signs a Cell Phone Violation Acknowledgement Form. Parent Contact- Student will explain that the phone was taken because it was out.
  • 2nd violation: Call/text admin to location. Device taken by administrator; students may retrieve them at the end of day.Student signs a Cell Phone Violation Acknowledgement Form. Parent Contact
  • 3rd violation: Call/text admin to location. Device taken by administrator. 2 days ISS-Parent Contact
  • 4th violation: Call/text admin to location. Device taken by administrator. 2 days ISS-Parent Contact
  • 5th violation: Call/text admin to location. Device taken by administrator, 1 day OSS-Parent Contact
  • 6th violation: Call/text admin to location. Device taken by administrator. 5 days ISS or OSS and Disciplinary Hearing

**Refusal to give up device is an additional discipline infraction