Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Updates Cell Phone Use at Schools
In June 2022, the FCPS 2022-23 Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) were updated to include new expectations for cell phone use that are specific to each school level: elementary, middle, high, and secondary. The new cell phone expectations were established to help foster a learning environment that is conducive to learning.
Students in grades K-6 (including 6th grade students at Poe MS, Holmes MS, and Glasgow MS): Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities when appropriate. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
Students in grades 7-8: Phones must be silenced and kept put away for the duration of the school day. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Phones can be stored in a locker or backpack during the day. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities when appropriate. Cell phones may be used on campus only before the first bell and after the last bell. Note: Secondary schools (i.e., Robinson Secondary, Lake Braddock Secondary, and Hayfield Secondary) have ability to permit cell phone usage during passing periods because the three schools support students in grades 7-12 who frequently use the same halls for class change.
Students in grades 9-12: Phones must be silenced and put away during all instructional periods. Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Phones can be stored in a locker or backpack during the day. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Teachers may allow usage of cell phones for instructional activities when appropriate. Cell phones may be used on campus before the first bell, after the last bell, during passing periods, and lunches.
FCPS understands that students may need to access a cell phone or other personally owned device as an accommodation to access the curriculum, make progress toward their individualized goals, or address medical or other needs.
If you believe your child requires access to a personally owned device as an accommodation, please contact your child’s school team [i.e., 504 Committee, Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team, English Language Committee, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team] to schedule a meeting so that the team can consider your request.
The Updates to FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) web page outlines changes to cell phone use for the 2022-2023 school year. Visit the SR&R web page to learn more and to log on to your SIS ParentVue account and sign to acknowledge review of this document OR print, sign, and return this form to your child’s school by September 30, 2022.
