Skip To Main Content

Away for the Day - Student Cell Phone Use

Gilbert Public Schools Away for the Day Thank you for your cooperation
Away for the Day - Student Cell Phone Use
Away for the Day - Student Cell Phone Use
Gilbert Public Schools Cell Phones Away for the Day

The Why: Promote student learning and well-being by reducing distractions, improving focus, and enhancing overall student well-being during the school day.

Gilbert Public Schools’ Governing Board has discussed a variety of options for student use of cell phones and wireless communication devices in K-12. The new policy for the 2025/26 school year includes ‘Away for the Day’ for K-8 at our elementary and junior highs. All of our elementary schools and some of our junior highs were already operating ‘Away for the Day,’ and the policy now formalizes these approaches with resources provided for families, teachers, and staff to support our community with this initiative designed to promote learning through reduced distractions and increased focus.

Once the school day begins, cell phones and wireless communication devices must be turned off or set to silent and stored out of sight (for example, in a backpack) for the entire school day, unless instructed otherwise by a staff member for educational purposes.

Students will be required to adhere to District restrictions regarding the use of all wireless communication devices, including their cellular telephones. Wireless communication devices include personal devices and devices that are provided by the school.

K-8 - Away for the Day

  • Once the first bell rings and the school day begins, cell phones and smart watches must be turned off or set to silent and stored out of sight (for example, in a backpack) during the whole school day, unless instructed otherwise by a staff member.
  • Cell phones can only be used during class when permitted by a teacher or staff member for educational purposes.
  • During an emergency, students should ask for permission from a teacher or staff member to use their cell phone.
  • If a student needs their wireless communication device to address a medical condition, advanced approval for this is required.
  • Students may contact their parent/legal guardian during the school day with express permission from a teacher or staff member.
  • Parents/legal guardians who seek to communicate with their student during the school day may contact the school’s front office.

For more information, please visit our district website. Thank you to everyone in our community for your support.