Colbert Public Schools

“NO CELL PHONE” BELL-TO-BELL POLICY

WHY IS OUR SCHOOL CELL PHONE FREE?

•           Oklahoma's legislature passed a bill, Senate Bill 139, that requires all public schools to implement a "bell-to-bell" cell phone ban for the 2025-2026 school year. This means students will be prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices (smartwatches, tablets, etc.) from the first bell of the school day to the last.

•           We want to create a safe, inclusive, and focused learning environment for all.

•           Students are distracted by texts, snaps, and social media during the school day. It takes students 20 minutes to refocus after a phone notification. 

WHAT IS THE POLICY?

•           Students may not use their cell phones/smartwatches, etc, on school property until the end of the school day.

•           If students arrive at school early, once they enter the building, they may not use their cell phones/earbuds/smartwatches.

•           Students may not have cell phones/earbuds/smartwatches out or visible during the entire academic day (unless they have specific accommodations in a formal plan).

•           Cell phone and smartwatch use is permitted for medical monitoring with documented medical authorization.

The academic day includes all classes, passing periods, breakfast, lunch, restrooms, locker rooms, field trips, and assemblies.  Students will be required to leave their electronic devices in their lockers or in their backpacks, which are to be stored in their lockers during the school day. Locks are available for students to use on their lockers if they wish. Students are welcome to leave their electronic devices in their vehicles, if they drive, or at home if they choose. Students are prohibited from using their devices in their lockers during class change or any other time during the school day.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT IS NOT FOLLOWING THE CELL  PHONE/EARBUDS/SMARTWATCHES POLICY?

Students in violation of this policy will receive the following disciplinary action:

•           1st Violation- Device taken up, parent must pick up device, student assigned 2 Days of After-School Detention.

•           2nd Violation- Device taken up, parent must pick up device, student assigned 4 Days of After-School Detention.

•           3rd Violation- Device taken up, parent must pick up device, student assigned 2 Days of In-School Detention.

•           4th Violation- Device taken up, parent must pick up device, student assigned 5 Days of In-School Detention at Colbert campus.

•           After the 4th Violation, students will not be allowed to bring any smart device on the school campus.

•           5th Violation- Device taken up, parent must pick up device, student assigned 10 Days of In-School Detention at Calera ISD.

•           6th or more- 5 days will be added to the last number of assigned days.

If a student refuses to give up their electronic device when in violation of this law and policy, or lies about having used the electronic device, the device will be taken up for parent pick up, and the student will be assigned 3 days of ISD in addition to their Violation # discipline.

WHAT IF THERE IS A SAFETY EMERGENCY?

•           We have a clearly defined communication protocol in the case of a school emergency.  Families will be notified via ParentSquare—text, automated voice message, and email.

•           To ensure safety during a lockdown, students may use their teacher’s cell phone or computer to communicate with families once it is safe.

WHAT IF A PARENT NEEDS TO GET A HOLD OF THEIR CHILD?

•           Families may call the main offices at (CHS) 580-296-2590.

•           Your child will be available via text or voice after the school day ends.