Student Devices

By standardizing devices across the division, schools can maintain consistent expectations for student use, reduce instructional distractions, and provide clearer support that maintains the focus on learning.

Students and families will be responsible for the device issued to them, just as they are for other school-provided items such as textbooks, calculators, athletics equipment or library books. Students and families will be provided with a Technology Handbook outlining use and care, among other topics, prior to receiving a device.

Normal wear and tear on division-issued devices is covered by the division’s insurance. Families will be responsible for costs of repairs for intentional or neglectful damage as well as replacement costs for lost devices.

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, students may no longer bring their own device to school. If a student does not participate in the division’s 1:1 device program, they will be provided with comparable hands-on or paper-based alternatives.

"Bell-to-Bell" means from when the first bell rings at the start of the school day until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the academic school day. "Bell-to-bell" includes lunch and time in between class periods (transition time).

A personal electronic device includes cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, headphones/earbuds, and any other electronic device (including watches) that can be used for communication, entertainment, or accessing the internet.

Stored away means a cell phone or personal electronic communication device not being carried on the student's person, including not in the student's pocket.

Consequences for violating this policy will be in accordance with the YCSD Student Conduct Code and may include:

• Verbal warning from a teacher or staff member.
• Notification to parents or guardians.
• Confiscation of the device for the remainder of the school day.

Repeated violations may result in further disciplinary action AND the parent/guardian being required to pick up the device in the main office during normal business hours.

We want our students to be engaged in their learning; therefore, we ask that you refrain from contacting your student during the school day unless it is an emergency. Should you need to contact your student, please call the school's front office. We also encourage families to save the school phone number in your contact list in case your child calls you from the school's main office.

*During mass notification calls from the division, transportation, attendance or lunch balance notifications, the caller ID number is 757-833-2168.

In emergency situations, it is safer for students to NOT be on a phone so they can follow staff directions. Division staff will follow established safety procedures including notifying families through our mass communication platforms.

Exemptions for a student to use their phones during the school day would require the following types of documentation: medical, 504, IEP, Multilingual Learners, or an extenuating circumstance approved by school administration. All exemptions require appropriate documentation approved by school administration.