"Away for the Day" Cellphone Policy to Roll out in September 2026

Starting next school year, 2026-2027, students may not use wireless communication devices on school grounds during school hours with limited exceptions

Over the past several years, Kingsley Area Schools has been carefully reviewing and developing updated expectations regarding student wireless communication device use during the school day. After thoughtful collaboration with staff, families, and educational leaders, we are introducing a new Wireless Communication Device Policy that will take effect to begin the 2026 - 2027 school year.

This updated policy aligns with the new statewide wireless communication guidance recently adopted in the State of Michigan and reflects our shared commitment to creating focused, safe, and productive learning environments for all students.

We recognize that wireless devices are an important part of modern life and communication. At the same time, research and classroom experience continue to show that limiting distractions during instructional time supports stronger academic engagement, improved student well-being, and more meaningful peer interaction.

Our goal is not simply to restrict device use, but to establish clear and consistent expectations that help students remain present, engaged, and successful throughout the school day while still ensuring families can communicate with students when necessary through appropriate school channels.

We appreciate your partnership and continued support as we implement this important initiative for our schools and students next year. 

Please take a few minutes to review our new policy below with your child. 

5209 Student Use of Wireless Communications Devices

Students may not use Wireless Communications Devices on school grounds during school hours, except as otherwise provided in this Policy.

“Wireless Communications Device” is an electronic device capable of, but not limited to, text messaging, voice communication, entertainment, navigation, accessing the internet, sending and receiving photos and videos, or producing email.

“Instructional time” is defined as the start of the school day when instruction begins until dismissal at the end of the school day.

“School grounds” means a building, playing field, or property used for school purposes to impart instruction to children or used for functions and events sponsored by a school. School grounds does not include a building used primarily for adult education or college extension courses.

Students may use Wireless Communications Devices on school grounds during school hours, including during instructional time, if the Wireless Communications Device is:

● medically necessary for a student to monitor a health issue;

● required by a student’s Section 504 Plan or IEP;

● a District-owned device;

● designated by the District to be used for instructional purposes;

● permitted by a classroom teacher for lesson-specific academic assignments; or

●JA: THATused during an emergency situation in accordance with the District’s emergency operations plan under Policy 3402, so long as it does not interfere with school emergency protocols or first responders or endanger students or staff.

Wireless Communications Devices must be stored in the student’s locker or other designated storage area during school hours if a student chooses to bring them to school, except as otherwise provided in this Policy. Students are personally and solely responsible for the security of their Wireless Communications Devices. The District is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage of any Wireless Communications Device.

Taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal photographs, video, audio, or other similar data, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (including via cell phone or other electronic device), may constitute a crime under state or federal law. A student engaged in any of these activities at school, at a school event, or on school-provided transportation, may be subject to discipline pursuant to this Policy and the student code of conduct. A student engaged in any of these activities outside of school may be disciplined if the student’s activities substantially disrupt the school environment.

School administrators and teachers may confiscate a student’s Wireless Communications Device if the student’s use or possession of the Wireless Communications Device violates this Policy, the student code of conduct, or any applicable building or classroom rule. The building principal or designee may require a meeting with the student’s Parent to discuss the rule violation before returning the Wireless Communications Device. Students who violate this Policy are subject to corrective or disciplinary action:

• On a first offense, the confiscated wireless communication device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.

• On a second offense, the student’s parent/guardian must come to the school to pick up the device from the office. Students will then be required to check their phone in the office for the next 10 school days following the offense. 

• On the third offense, the student will be required to turn the wireless communication device in to the office before school begins and pick the wireless communication device up after school ends for 30 consecutive school days.

• On the fourth offense, the student will be classified as insubordinate. The disciplinary response will align with the protocols established for major infractions.