Personal Device Policy

What is the new policy?

Policy JFCD: Student Use of Personal Communication Devices

Beginning with the start of the 2025-26 school year, students will not be allowed to use or have out personal electronic communication devices (known as EPCDs) during school hours. This includes cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, or other wearable technology. The policy states phones cannot be seen or used from the first bell of the day until dismissal, including class time, passing periods, lunch, and recess.

Why was this policy put in place?

As we shared in May 2025, the state legislature passed Senate Bill 68, which requires all school districts in Missouri to develop and adopt a policy restricting the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during school hours. The portion of SB68 that deals with devices is on pages 62-64 of the bill. At its July 15, 2025 meeting, the Board of Education approved a districtwide cell phone policy to comply with the new legislation. 

The policy supports a focused learning environment and aligns with the requirements in state law. NKC Schools also surveyed students, families, and staff for feedback, which pointed toward support for clearer, more consistent expectations around phone use – especially during times dedicated to teaching and learning.

What devices are included?

The policy applies to all electronic personal communication devices (EPCDs), including but not limited to:

• Cell phones
• Smartwatches and wearable devices
• Headphones, AirPods, or similar accessories
• Personal tablets and laptops
• Audio/video recorders or media players

All devices must be put away and not used during the school day.  

When can students use their devices?

Students may use personal devices:

• Before and after the school day
• When required for Multi-Factor Authentication to access district technology systems
• When explicitly documented in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, Individualized Health Plan, or other legally recognized assistive technology plan
• When using district-provided or district-recommended EPCDs (e.g., headphones for assessments) for educational purposes
• In the event of an emergency, defined by state statute as:
  • Active fire
  • Tornado
  • Earthquake
  • Active shooter, lockdown or other safety threat
  • School evacuation
  • Medical emergency
  • Any other serious and unexpected event requiring immediate action
• In other limited circumstances as approved on a temporary, case-by-case basis by the school's support team, such as:
  • Documented medical necessity not covered by an existing plan
  • Temporary family emergencies requiring immediate communication
  • Participation in authorized school-sponsored activities requiring EPCD use
  • Other exceptional situations as determined by school administration

Can my student wear their smartwatch if they aren’t using it for communication?

No. State law specifically prohibits smartwatches during school hours. Devices with the sole purpose of tracking health and fitness – with no communication capabilities – are not considered smartwatches and are permitted to be worn.

Are students required to turn in their phones during the day?

No, in general students will not be asked to turn in or store their phones during the day. Instead, we expect devices to be put away and neither seen nor heard. Phones should be stored in students’ bags, lockers or in pockets.

Some Missouri districts are using pouches or individual lockers for all students. NKC Schools is not utilizing this strategy, as we recognize that there may be emergency situations in which students would need access to their device quickly.

However, if a student violates the cell phone policy, they will be asked to turn their phone into the office, where it will be stored securely.

How can families reach their student during the school day?

Families should contact the school’s main office to relay messages or request to speak with their student. Our office team will contact the student’s classroom on your behalf. Our schools are equipped with dozens of landline phones that can also be used to make necessary calls. In the past, family members may have been asked to text their student to relay a message. This practice will change for the 2025-26 school year.

Students also have access to district email on their school-issued MacBooks throughout the day. A student’s email address is their six-digit ID number @nkcschools.org (e.g. 123456@nkcschools.org).

Families are asked not to call, text, or video chat students during school hours, as this disrupts instruction.

What if a student needs their phone for medical or personal reasons?

Students with documented needs in an IEP, 504, health plan or assistive technology plan will be allowed to use devices according to those plans. Temporary accommodations may also be approved by the school’s support team for family emergencies or other unique situations.

What are the consequences if a student breaks the policy?

NKC Schools uses progressive discipline for cell phone violations. Consequences for the first incident may include confiscation of the device and parent contact. For subsequent incidents, additional consequences may include a parent meeting, requiring a parent to pick up the device, detention or suspension. Refusal to turn over a device would result in additional disciplinary action.

Are students still able to access technology for learning?

Yes. Students have district-issued devices for all academic and communication needs during the school day.

What if a student needs a device to do classwork?

This year, teachers will not ask students to use personal devices to complete an assignment. Technology needs will be accomplished through their district-issued Macbook and/or iPad.

Does this apply to teachers and staff?

Policy JFCD only applies to students. However, instructional time with students is very valuable. Therefore, our expectation is for teachers and staff to have their phones put away while working with students. Staff may use their devices during planning and break times and in the event of an urgent need or emergency.

I have another question.

Please reach out to your student’s school office with any questions or for help understanding how the policy is applied at the building level.