Board Policy

Waverly Community Schools

Bylaws and Policies

Open for Community Comment: 
Supporting and Implementing an "Away For The Day" Cell Phone Policy

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF Waverly Community Schools

SUPPORTING AND IMPLEMENTING AN "AWAY FOR THE DAY" CELL PHONE POLICY

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Waverly Community Schools (the "Board") is deeply committed to providing a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment that maximizes academic success and supports the social-emotional well-being of all students; and

WHEREAS, peer-reviewed research indicates that the presence of personal electronic devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, in the classroom environment creates significant digital distractions, reduces student engagement, and negatively impacts academic performance; and

WHEREAS, data from health organizations and school counseling professionals link unrestricted school-day smartphone use and social media access to increased rates of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and social isolation among adolescents; and

WHEREAS, the "Away for the Day" framework—which requires student cell phones and personal electronic communication devices to be stored securely from the morning arrival bell to the afternoon dismissal bell—has been shown to improve face-to-face peer interactions, foster safer school climates, and reclaim critical instructional time; and

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan has enacted legislative measures encouraging or requiring local school boards to establish clear, comprehensive policies restricting the use of personal communication devices during school instructional hours;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Waverly Community Schools officially adopts and endorses the "Away for the Day" approach for personal electronic devices across all district schools, effective as soon as possible.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that under this policy, all student smartphones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and related personal communication devices must be stored in designated secure storage containers for the entire duration of the school day, including instructional time, passing periods, and lunch breaks; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board directs the Superintendent (or their designee) to establish clear administrative regulations implementing this resolution, which shall include:

1. Accommodations & Exemptions: Clear processes for approved medical exemptions (such as continuous glucose monitoring) and accommodations required under a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

2. Emergency Protocols: Explicit procedures ensuring parents and guardians can reliably contact their children through school office lines during emergencies, and clear protocols for student device access during critical safety incidents.

3. Progressive Discipline: A fair, consistent, and transparent disciplinary framework for policy infractions that focuses on restorative practices and avoids undue academic disruption.

4. Community Outreach: An intentional communication plan to educate students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders on the educational rationale behind the policy prior to full implementation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent shall monitor the impact of this policy on student engagement, academic performance, and school safety, and provide a progress report to the Board of Education at the conclusion of each academic year.

To be voted on by the Board of Education of Waverly Community Schools at their regular meeting held on December 7, 2026.