CCSD requiring signal-blocking pouches for student cell phones when school year begins

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — In an effort to put students’ attention back on their school work, the Clark County School District is moving forward this school year with a policy requiring cell phones to be put into non-locking, signal-blocking pouches.

When the school year starts on Aug. 12, students in grades 6 through 12 will be expected to put cellular devices into pouches. Elementary schools will have the option of requiring pouches if they are deemed appropriate. Schools will provide the pouches.

The pouches will be available to students in the event of an emergency, according to an update sent out to students as a reminder. A 38-second YouTube video summarizes the new procedures.

“Messages left during instruction will be retrieved between classes,” according to the video’s narrative.

The policy was announced in mid-March after about 10% of the district’s schools ran a pilot program.

Another new policy mandates that students will wear identification badges, which applies to all middle school and high school students.

Teachers will instruct students where to put the pouches for safety, such as on the student’s desk or in a designated classroom area. In an emergency or an evacuation drill, students will always have immediate access to their cell phones “as safety permits,” according to the district.

Access will be allowed during scheduled nutrition or lunch periods, school-sponsored activities and certain classroom periods with the approval of the school principal. Students will have their phones when they are on school buses.

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