Centennial School District 28J

This change is in accordance with the required Governor’s Executive Order 25-09 and is supported by strong research in improving student academic performance and mental health.

Personal electronic devices are a regular part of students’ lives, but their use during the school day has raised significant concerns. Research shows that constant access to devices and social media can lead to:

• Reduced focus
• Increased bullying
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Weaker peer connections

The new policy helps students focus better during class time, improves learning outcomes, and encourages face-to-face interactions with peers.  

For more information why removing cell phones and other personal electronic devices from the school day is a positive change for students, here are some resources:

• Academic Impact Studies
• Social Emotional Impact Studies

More information around the need for changing the expectation of cell phone use in schools can be found in the Oregon Department of Education’s Fostering Student Learning, Well-Being, and Belonging: Guidance for Personal Electronic Device Policies.

You can call the school’s main office at any time. The staff will ensure your message reaches your child promptly. This process helps avoid classroom interruptions and keeps students safe. Additionally, students can access phones in the office during the school day if they need to contact their families for an urgent situation. 

While we approach all behavior with support and understanding, students are held accountable for meeting school expectations.

When a student struggles to follow the PED policy, staff respond with clear, consistent consequences paired with opportunities for reflection and reteaching. This may include loss of privileges, restorative conversations, or other appropriate responses based on the situation.

Consequences that impact instructional time, such as suspension, will not be imposed for violating the PED expectations. However, if there is an incident that involves the use of personal electronic devices and an additional violation (such as cyberbullying), there may be discipline for that additional violation that will include disciplinary actions appropriate to the situation. 

The goal is to help students build responsibility and self-regulation skills, but accountability is an essential part of that process. 

We understand that phones can be a helpful tool for emotional regulation. The school offers alternative strategies such as counseling, sensory tools, and breaks. We encourage families to communicate with staff about any specific needs so we can provide appropriate support which may or may not include an exemption.

Yes. The Governor’s Order provides clarity about these potential exemptions:

• A student’s medical provider’s order for the care and treatment of a medical condition
• A student’s IEP or 504 plan
• A written exemption provided for the student based on a request received under Board Policy JFCEB-AR

Please note that students who have an exemption under these circumstances may use their phone or other PED for the purposes of the accommodation or use that is described in their documented plan. For more information about requesting a PED Exception, please see Board Policy JFCEB-AR.