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Mapleton Public Schools

District Device Policy

Following parent/guardian, student, and staff surveys, conversations with school leaders, and more than a year of research on cell phone use in schools, Mapleton’s Board of Education adopted a new policy on student cell phones and personal technology devices.
 

Policy JICJ, Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Technology Devices, recognizes that personal devices can be useful tools for learning. At the same time, the policy affirms that keeping personal technology devices put away during the school day is one of the most effective ways to maintain safe, supportive, and focused learning environments where all students can thrive.

Under the new policy, all schools must establish clear rules and procedures for student use of personal technology devices during the school day by September 15, 2026. These school-level expectations must:

  1. Reference and support healthy habits regarding the use of personal technology devices.
  2. Be created with input from representatives from all stakeholder groups.
  3. Explain that all schools are equipped with landlines, 2-way radios, and other methods of communication that can be used in an emergency, which do not include the use of personal technology devices.
  4. Include provisions for educating staff, students, and parents about the rules and procedures themselves, as well as about the reasons supporting the establishment of a particular set of rules.
  5. Address all parts of the school day – including but not limited to instructional time, lunch, passing periods, and other non-scheduled time.
  6. Explain sanctioned methods for phone storage, collection, and distribution, as necessary.
  7. Address the developmental needs of the population served.
  8. Describe how rules will be enforced and ensure that rule violations are addressed with restorative practices whenever possible.
  9. Make clear that personal technology devices are permitted to be carried and used when such devices are necessary medical or assistive devices, and may be permitted when students leave the school campus for a school-approved reason.
  10. Provide guidelines on when personal technology devices may be used as educational tools.

Emergency Communication

During school emergencies, students will not be permitted to use cellphones, smartwatches, or other personal devices. In these situations, devices can put students and staff at risk, interfere with police and emergency responders, and contribute to the spread of misinformation. The school and/or district will keep families informed with official updates throughout the emergency and will share new information as quickly as possible.

Mapleton reminds students that if they see something, say something. Students are encouraged to tell a trusted adult or make a Safe2Tell report.