Here are some key details from Iowa City CSD's new cellphone policy that goes into effect Jan. 21
The Iowa City Community School Board has approved a partial cellphone ban at all of its secondary school buildings, which will go into effect on Jan. 21 when the new semester begins. The new personal device policy was approved by a 5-2 vote during 2024's final school board meeting on Tuesday.
According to board documents, "Student cell phones shall not be seen, heard, or in use during instructional time." The ICCSD defines instructional time as "The time between the tardy bell that starts each class period and the dismissal bell that ends the class period."
Here is what to know about the new cellphone policy at the Iowa City Community School District:
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Phones are expected to be stowed away when bell rings
When the tardy bell rings, students are expected to have phones, earbuds, and headphones "detached from the body." Phones must be stowed away on silent in a backpack, purse-hanging pouch in the classroom, or the student's assigned locker.
Teachers will give students one warning at the beginning of class with a brief announcement: "Your devices should be secured."
How does Iowa City CSD plan to enforce the new policy?
There will be consequences if a student fails to follow the policy.
During instructional time, infractions will be handled as follows: the teacher contacts the school's main office, prompting the office to send an administrator to collect the device. The main office will hold on to the phone until the end of the school day.
If a student refuses to surrender their device, they will be removed from the classroom and taken to the main office. If they continue to refuse, an administrator will contact the student's family, and the student may face additional consequences.
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Consequences for violating the new policy
If a device is confiscated, students will be required to sign a sheet acknowledging they violated the policy. These infractions will not be recorded as "Office Disciplinary Referrals."
Students will be allowed two offenses before a parent or guardian is contacted on the third offense. A fourth offense requires a meeting with the student's parent or guardian. A "technology plan" will be created after a fifth violation.
When can students use their phones?
At the three high schools, Iowa City High School, Liberty High School and Iowa City West High School cell phones will be allowed during passing time, assigned lunch periods, study hall, and open hours in designated areas such as building commons. Those areas will be marked with signage indicating cellphone use is allowed. However, high school students with open hours cannot use cell phones in hallways during class time and must wait until they reach a designated area within the school.
Cell phones will be allowed at the middle schools during passing time and during the students' assigned lunch hour.
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Are there exemptions to the policy?
Some students will be exempt from the policy. According to board documents, exceptions include instances where the use of a device is required for a student's IEP or 504 plan, when an administrator allows it for learning purposes, or if a device is approved ahead of time due to a student's health needs.
Students can still wear smartwatches during the school day, but the same enforcement policy will apply if they become a distraction.
Determining the policy's effectiveness
The Iowa City Community School District and the board of directors will track the policy's success by measuring student performance, disciplinary referrals, and attendance as well as through qualitative feedback, library use, and how often the policy was violated.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: What to know about the Iowa City school district cellphone ban