Policy 2656 Student Use of Electronic Personal Communication Devices (EPCDs)

Developments in Electronic Personal Communication Devices (EPDCs)  in recent years have resulted in enhanced communication opportunities. However, the use of EPCDs in schools poses increasing risks of school disruptions, bullying, criminal activity, and academic dishonesty. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, Missouri State Statute 162.207, RSMo goes into effect, which bans the student use of EPCDs from the beginning of the school day until the end of the school day. 

EPCDs are defined as devices that are used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically. These devices include, but are not limited to:

• Cell phones
  
  
• Smartwatches
  
  
• Tablets
  
  
• Laptops
  
  
• Handheld gaming devices
  
  
• Meta/AI glasses
  
  
• Earbuds/headphones connected to any of the above devices
• E-Readers
  
  

Prohibited Use

Students are prohibited from displaying, using, or accessing EPCDs at any time from the beginning to the end of the school day, including passing periods, breakfast, lunch, and field trips, regardless of whether the device is being used for communication, entertainment, or any other purpose.

This policy also prohibits the use of EPCDs in locker rooms, bathrooms, and dressing areas during school or extracurricular activities to protect student privacy.

Exceptions

The only exceptions to this prohibition are:

• The EPCD is explicitly required and documented in a medical plan, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or Section 504 Plan.
  
  
• Use is expressly authorized by school staff for educational purposes during instruction, and devices are provided or approved by the district.
  
  

Consequences for Violation

To ensure consistent enforcement of this policy and to support positive behavior, the following disciplinary actions will be applied for violations:

• First Offense:
  The student will meet with the school administration, and the EPCD must be turned in to the office for the remainder of the day.
  
  
• Second Offense:
  The student will turn in the EPCD to the office and serve a detention.
  
  
• Third Offense:
  The student must turn in the EPCD to the office upon arrival at school and will serve 1 to 3 days of in-school suspension (ISS).
  
  
• Subsequent Offenses:
  The administration will determine appropriate consequences, up to and including prohibiting the student from bringing an EPCD to school for the remainder of the school year.

Parent Communication

To contact a student during the school day, parents/guardians should call the school office. Office phones are available for student use.