Cell Phone Policy

CELL PHONE/ELECTRONICS POLICY 2026-2027

Cell phones have proven to be incredibly disruptive to the educational process. At James Monroe we want to deliver the best educational experience possible for all students. 

While we understand that learning to appropriately use technology is a vital component, students perform better without the distraction of being tempted to check their phones or use their headphones during class. 

All teachers here at James Monroe will EITHER be collecting cell phones/smart watches/airpods/electronic devices with internet and returning them to students prior to the end of class  OR  having cell phones/smart watches/airpods/electronic devices with internet stored in backpacks for the entire class period.  

Metaglasses (smart glasses) are NOT allowed on campus.  These will be confiscated if seen.

Phones will need to be powered off during the school day & smart watches will need to be disconnected from cell/internet service during the school day.   Teachers will check that cell phones & smart watches are turned off at the beginning of 1st period. There will be times of exception based on teacher discretion and learning activities. Cell phones will still be in the classroom in the event of a health and safety emergency. 

If a student has their phone in a place other than the designated phone area in the class or outside of their backpack - even if it is off - the phone will be confiscated and taken to the front office.   If a cell phone goes off during class time (even if a student is not using the phone) , it will be confiscated and taken to the front office. If a student is using the smart watch in any manner other than to glance at the time, it will be confiscated and taken to the front office.    

Any time a phone is confiscated from a student, the phone will only be released back to the parent .  Parents will have to pick up the cell phone in the front office.

Wired headphones are the only headphones that are allowed to be connected to the Chromebooks for educational activities.   Wireless headphones, wireless earbuds, Airpods and other such devices are not allowed to be used with the chromebook.  If they are brought to school they should remain in the students backpack the entire day.   

Students may NOT use cell phones, smart watches, airpods, or electronic devices with internet at lunch.  

If you need to get a message to your child, you are welcome to do so through the front office staff. Exceptions will be made if your child has a documented health condition that needs to be continuously monitored by an electronic device. We will need the medical documentation in the nurse's office. 

While JMMS discourages students from bringing personal phone and other electronic devices to school, we understand that student may need to bring them for various reasons.   Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are the responsibility of the student.

If items are lost or stolen, James Monroe Middle School  is not responsible for searching for it, replacement, or reimbursement

 

Consequences for violating the cell phone/smart watch/airpod policy 

1st & 2nd offense - Parents will be notified of the confiscation. A parent can pick up the phone/electronic device  in the office the same day 

3rd offense - Parents will be notified.   A parent can pick up the phone/electronic device after 5 days 

4th offense - Parents will be notified.  A parent can pick up the phone/electronic device at the end of the semester.