As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, I want to share the new cell phone policy aimed at creating a better learning environment for all students.
In the 2025-2026 school year, secondary school students were not allowed to use their cell phones and other smart devices during scheduled class time.
Devices were allowed to be out and used for learning purposes with the teacher’s permission. This is not the case for the 2026-2027 school year.
For the 2026-2027 school year, all students are prohibited from using cell phones and personal smart devices on school property after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the school day, including during lunch and in between class periods.
Smart devices include any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including smart watches and tablets.
To further reduce distractions in the classroom, students are required to put their cell phones and/or smart devices in their backpacks or in classroom storage containers during scheduled class time, and in backpacks while students transition between classes and during lunch. This will provide even more consistency throughout and between schools. Fairfield Middle School WILL EXPECT devices to be placed in the students backpack, which will be stored in the area designated in the classroom by the teacher.
If a student needs to leave class to visit the restroom, clinic, school counseling office, etc., their cell phone and/or smart devices must remain in the classroom.
Parents/guardians of students with an Individualized Education Program, Section 504 Plan, individualized health care plan, or Limited English Proficiency plan, may possess and use a cell phone or smart device on school property to monitor or address a health concern or as an accommodation or assistive technology support.
If a student fails to follow these guidelines, the following steps will be taken in alignment with the 2026-2027 Code of Student Conduct
Devices may not be kept in pockets, purses or lunchboxes
Recommended Consequences of Cell Phone Use Infractions | |
First Offense | Device confiscated until the end of the school day; verbal warning and parent/guardian contacted. |
Second Offense | Device confiscated, parent/guardian contacted, and parent/guardian must retrieve the device. |
Third Offense | Device confiscated, parent/guardian must retrieve the device, and school-level consequences may apply. |
Fourth Offense | Device confiscated, parent/guardian must retrieve the device, school-level consequences may apply, and the student shall be banned from possessing a cell phone and/or electronic device at school for the remainder of the school year. |
Device Retrieval time (3:30pm-4:30pm)
Thank you for your attention to this change. By working together to reinforce expectations and consistently implementing this new practice, we can create a more focused and productive learning environment for students. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please feel free to contact Ms. Jones or a member of our school administrative team.