Springfield School District announces ‘restrictive cell phone policy’

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Springfield School District has announced their new policy on cell phones and other electronics.

The school district described the policy to be “restrictive” for students.

“The goal is to limit the distractions and disruptions that cell phones can cause while at school and allow students to focus on their school work,” officials wrote in a Facebook post.

The cell phone policy requires students of all grades to keep their personal electronic devices off and out of sight. The policy differs on directives of where students should store their devices, depending on their grade.

Elementary School : Students should keep their phones and other devices in their book bag.

Middle School : Students are asked to keep their phones in their lockers.

High School: Students in high school have more freedom on where to keep their phones, as the district permits high schoolers to keep their phones in lockers, pockets, binders or personal bags. All usage of cell phones in classrooms and hallways is forbidden.

Additionally, officials said accommodations can be provided for students with a medical assistance plan, a Individualized Education Program or a 504 plan.

More information on the new policy can be found on the school district’s website.

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