📵 NEW FOR 2026–2027: CELL PHONE EXPECTATIONS

As we begin the new school year, we want to remind Quaker families about the updated Board Policy 237 – Electronic Devices and what it means for students at Millville Area Junior/Senior High School and Millville Elementary School.

🔔 BELL TO BELL = CELL PHONE-FREE

Students may bring a cell phone to school; however, once the school day begins:

📱 TURN IT OFF.
🔒 SECURE IT.
🚪 LEAVE IT IN YOUR ASSIGNED LOCKER.

Cell phones may not be accessed or used from the opening bell through the dismissal bell. Students may retrieve their phones from their lockers after dismissal.

🎯 WHY THE CHANGE?

The updated expectations are designed to:

• Reduce distractions from teaching and learning;

• Support greater student attention and classroom engagement;

• Encourage healthy face-to-face interaction;

• Reduce disruptions associated with social media, messaging, and notifications;

• Support positive school climates; and

• Help teachers maintain learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

☎️ NEED TO REACH YOUR CHILD?

During the school day, parents and guardians should contact the appropriate school office when an important or time-sensitive message needs to reach their child. School personnel will assist with communicating necessary information. Students who have an appropriate need to contact home can also receive assistance from school personnel.

🩺 MEDICAL NECESSITY & STUDENT SUPPORT PLANS

A student with an IEP or Section 504 Service Plan may maintain access to a cell phone when the student's plan specifically identifies cell phone access as a necessary accommodation related to a documented medical need. Families with questions should contact their child's school administration.

⚠️ WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT ACCESSES A CELL PHONE?

The District will use progressive discipline when a student accesses a cell phone during the school day in violation of Board Policy 237. Expectations will be implemented consistently across grades K–12, with appropriate consideration for students' ages and developmental differences.

1️⃣ FIRST VIOLATION — WARNING & REDIRECTION
The student will be directed to remove the phone from the instructional environment and secure it in their assigned locker. A disciplinary referral will be submitted, the incident will be documented as a warning, and the parent/guardian will be notified.

2️⃣ SECOND VIOLATION — DETENTION & DEVICE HELD UNTIL DISMISSAL
The phone will be collected and provided to the building principal. A disciplinary referral will be submitted through Sapphire, the student will receive a Level 2 disciplinary consequence beginning with one detention, and the phone will remain with the principal until it is returned to the student at dismissal.
3️⃣ THIRD VIOLATION — PARENT/GUARDIAN DEVICE PICKUP & PROGRESSIVE CONSEQUENCE
The phone will be collected and provided to the building principal and will not be returned directly to the student. The device may be returned only to the student's parent or guardian. The student will receive a progressive disciplinary consequence beginning with a double detention.

4️⃣ ADDITIONAL VIOLATIONS — PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES
Students who continue to violate the cell phone expectations after the first three violations will be subject to progressive disciplinary consequences in accordance with applicable District policies. School administrators will work with students and families when patterns of non-compliance develop.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILIES, WE NEED YOUR PARTNERSHIP!

Please help us make this transition successful by reviewing the expectations with your child, reinforcing that cell phones remain secured in their assigned locker throughout the school day, avoiding calls and messages to students' personal devices during school hours, and contacting the school office when an important message needs to reach your child.

BRING IT. SECURE IT. LEARN WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS. 📵

Together, we can help every student be present, engaged, safe, and ready to learn.

💙 Stronger TOGETHER...Quaker STRONG!