Lowell Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Lowell Elementary Cellphone Policy

Dear Families,

At Lowell Elementary School, our primary focus is that students are in a positive and productive learning environment. To support a safe environment and uphold high academic standards, we are updating our personal electronics policy so that students can best focus on their attendance, behavior, and coursework.

Our school electronics policy is Phones/Smart Watches Away. All Day. Every Day.

All students must have cellphones, smart watches, air buds, air pods, headphones, and tablets powered off and out of sight from the start of the school day until the end of the school day, including breakfast, lunch, at recess, and in hallways.

If a student’s phone or other personal electronic item is out, seen, or heard, then they will receive a warning by a staff member to turn it off and put it away. This happens before each incident. If out, seen, or heard a second time during the same day, then the consequence will be as follows:

1st incident in any space: 

• The phone or device will be safely secured by the classroom teacher.
• The teacher contacts the student’s home via email, Talking Points, or phone call to inform of incident.
• The student can pick up their phone from their teacher after-school, no sooner.

2nd incident in any space:

• The phone will be safely secured by the classroom teacher.
• The teacher gives phone to an Administrator. The administrator will contact the student’s family and arrange a time for an adult family member to pick up the phone at Lowell.
• The family will need to make a cellphone agreement with administration.

3rd incident in any space:

• The phone will be safely secured by the classroom teacher.
• The teacher gives the phone to the Administrator, who will arrange a family meeting to plan and implement “no phone contract” for their scholar.         
• This student will no longer be allowed to carry their phone with them throughout the school day, for the remainder of the year.

Please note, Lowell Elementary School is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen devices or items from home. Thus, the best way to keep technology and personal items safe is to keep them in their locker, backpack, or at home.

Our collective goal is to create a safe environment that is conducive to learning and free of distractions to support of the learning process. We have included answers to commonly asked questions below.

Thank you for your support,

Lowell Elementary Admin Team and Staff

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if my scholar needs to leave early for an appointment?

If your scholar is leaving early, call the main office 206-252-3020 to receive the student. Texting or calling the student to leave is a safety issue as we need to know where the scholar is.

What if I need to leave a message for my scholar?

If you need to get ahold of your student, call the main office 206-252-3020 to deliver a message or request the office to call the student down to the main office to call you back.

What if I can’t get a hold of a staff member or the line is busy?

We have three secretaries managing our main office and multiple phone lines. If you are unable to get through, please try again or send a Talking Points message.

What if I have a family emergency?

Contact the office first for emergencies. Texting or calling your student with a sensitive message may cause a safety concern as it can leave a student dysregulated and/or without the support of an appropriate staff member. We can have the student report to the office where they can be assisted and connected quickly with their family.

Please avoid text messaging your scholar for non-emergencies during school hours as it encourages cellphone use in the classroom. They will be able to contact you from their cellphone before or after school or on the bus.

What if my scholar needs to speak with me?

Remind your scholar that if they need to reach family during school hours, they may ask their classroom teacher or go to the office to use the school phone.

What if my scholar records a video or takes pictures during school hours?

There are students who do not want to be photographed or filmed. Please respect their wishes. We do not encourage taking photos or videos during school hours, including outside play or lunch time.

What about phones in the restrooms?

Cellphones are NOT permitted in the restrooms at any time. Discuss with your student that phones being used to film or take pictures in bathroom is a privacy concern and can lead to serious consequences if they take an image of student using the facilities.

What about if my student uses a device for medical or academic reasons?

We recognize that some students may need certain devices due to a 504 or IEP accommodation. Staff will work directly with the student and family to ensure technology is used for appropriate purposes. Students also have district devices for academic supports.

---

Districtwide Cellphone Procedure

Supporting Focused Learning: New Districtwide Student Cellphone Procedure Begins May 4

Beginning Monday, May 4, Seattle Public Schools will implement a districtwide student cellphone use procedure across all schools.

We want to share why this change is being made and how it supports students.

What to Expect

The procedure reflects students’ developmental needs:

• Grades K–8: Phones will be “Away for the Day”, not accessible during school hours. 
• Grades 9–12: Phones will be “No Cell Bell to Bell”. Phones will be kept away during class, with limited access during lunch and passing periods.

This approach protects learning time while helping older students build responsible device habits.

School leaders will retain flexibility in storage routines and tools while maintaining the same expectations districtwide. Please be on the lookout for a letter from your school leader that explains your school’s storage routine.

Why This Change

Until now, cellphone expectations have varied from school to school, which has been confusing for families and inconsistent for students. Our goal is to ensure all students have the same clear, fair expectations and the best possible conditions for learning, no matter which school they attend.

What We Learned

District review, pilot schools, and feedback from students, families, and educators showed consistent results:

• When phones are kept away during instruction, students are more engaged and better able to focus 
• Fewer distractions lead to calmer classrooms and stronger learning experiences 

Research reinforces what schools see every day. Cellphones, even when not actively used, can interrupt attention, lower academic performance, and make it harder for students to refocus. Cellphone use can also contribute to increased stress, cyberbullying, and other well‑being concerns.

Supporting All Students

Students who need access to a device for medical needs or documented IEP or Section 504 accommodations will continue to receive those supports.

This procedure is not about punishment; it is about creating focused, supportive learning environments and clear expectations for everyone. Thank you for partnering with us to help students learn, connect, and thrive.

If you have questions, please contact us using Let’s Talk.

With appreciation,

Bev Redmond  
Chief of Staff and Public Affairs  
Seattle Public Schools