Cell Phone Policy

Recognizing the mental health effects on children and the impact student’s dependence on cell phones and smart devices are having in our schools, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed into law a bipartisan act of the Virginia General Assembly to help bring a cell phone and smart device free education to Virginia’s schools.

Danville Public Schools has employed a cell phone protocol, “Unplug 2 Learn” to support our students to refocus their attention on learning, since the 2023-24 school year. Our goal is to engage our students and support them in their academic success and promote positive social interaction and connections by removing a major barrier, cell phones. Unplug 2 Learn means our students’ cell phones, earbuds, air pods, and all other nonacademic electronic devices are to be turned off and remain off during the school day. 

The student use of any type of unauthorized electronic or mechanical device that is not part of the instructional program is prohibited during school hours. Video and/or audio recording of staff and/or students during the school day or school sponsored activity is prohibited. This shall include, but is not limited to mobile phones, portable musical devices, laser pointers, cameras, laptop computers, MP3 players, iPods, portable DVD players, portable TV’s, smart watches, etc.

Danville Public Schools uses Yondr pouches at the middle and high schools to ensure cell phone free instruction bell-to-bell. 

The cell phone protocol by grade level is outlined below.

Pre-K and Elementary Students (PreK-5th Grade)

Cellular phones and smart devices are prohibited during school hours. The phones must be turned off and stored out of sight after the first bell or equivalent signifying the beginning of the school day. The phones must remain off until the last bell or equivalent signifying the end of the school day.

Secondary Students (6th-12th Grade)

Each secondary school provides a Yondr pouch for students to store their cell phones/smart devices during the day. Every student should follow their school’s procedures for using the Yondr pouch.

Students may use their phones, with personal listening equipment such as earbuds, at after-hour, school sponsored events provided that they do not disturb others or disrupt, or interfere with the events taking place.

Consequences for cell phone violations (PreK - 12th Grade)

Any prohibited device may be confiscated by the school administration and returned to the parent/guardian. If it is determined that a communication device used on or off school property caused a disruption in school, the school has the authority to discipline the students. A school administrator may at his/her discretion confiscate the cell phone or smart device on any violation of the policy. Confiscated phones/smart devices are to be safeguarded by the school administrator and may be maintained for the duration of the disciplinary process. Confiscated phones/smart devices will be returned to a parent/guardian, but not prior to the conclusion of a school day.

Disciplinary Responses to Cell Phone/Smart Device Violations

1st Offense - Confiscation of device, Parent notification, Device returned to parent at end of school day

2nd Offense - Confiscation of device, Parent conference w/ Behavior Agreement developed, Device returned to parent at end of school day

3+ Offenses (or any refusal to surrender the device) - May be considered violation of Code BSO3: Refusal to Comply with Requests of Staff

Consequences for using any electronic device to audio and/or video record students, teachers, and/or staff without permission (Pre K-12th Grade)
1st Offense - Up to 3 days out-of-school suspension

2nd Offense - Up to 5 days out-of-school suspension

3rd Offense - Up to 10 days out-of-school suspension with the recommendation for long-term suspension

Notes:

• Student possession of cellular phones at R.I.S.E. Academy is strictly prohibited.
• A student found using a cellular phone during a testing situation will have the phone immediately confiscated and will lose their cellular phone privileges for the remainder of the school year. Additionally, test results may be rendered invalid in this situation.
• Danville Public Schools will not assume responsibility for the loss, destruction, damage, or theft of confiscated items.
• This information is also found on pages 27-29 of the Student CORES.