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District Rolls Out Cell Phone Policies Beginning in the 2024-2025 School Year

District Rolls Out Cell Phone Policies Beginning in the 2024-2025 School Year

The Shaker Heights Schools will implement new Districtwide cell phone procedures for the 2024-2025 school year. 

The District worked in collaboration with administrators, teachers, students and families to develop “Away for the Day” cell phone procedures that will focus on student well-being and safety and seeks to improve academic and social engagement at school.

The general details of “Away for the Day” include:

  • Elementary students (Preschool-Grade 5) must power off all cell phones and personal electronic devices (smart watches, bluetooth headphones, etc.) and store them in a backpack until the end of the school day.

  • Students in Grades 6-12 will be assigned a Yondr pouch to store all powered off cell phones and personal electronic devices (smart watches, bluetooth headphones, etc.) until the end of the school day. Students will keep their locked Yondr pouch with them. Unlocking devices will be located throughout the building for use at dismissal.

  • The use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during practices and extra-curricular activities will be left to the discretion of the coach or advisor.

  • Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the school administration on a case-by-case basis for health-related reasons (doctor’s documentation required), special educational needs or other significant circumstances.

To review the full procedure by grade level please refer to these handbook sections:

In the event of a family emergency, families can contact the school’s main office. Additionally, all classrooms are equipped with phones for immediate needs and schools have message delivery systems. The District will continue to communicate with families in the event of a school or District emergency. Families can find more information about emergency communication at shaker.org/emergency.

Shaker Heights Schools is a place of great learning and growth. By reducing distractions in our schools, students can focus on their academic and social growth. This change may be challenging at first, and our staff are prepared to assist our students as they adjust to these new procedures.

“Away for the Day” will also rely on support and collaboration of families to ensure a successful transition to a school day with fewer distractions.

Thank you in advance for your continued support.

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