Updated Electronic Policy for SVHS
As you may be aware, significant amounts of information are coming out about the effects of smartphone use among students and academic achievement. Although personal devices do provide conveniences in 21st-century society, teachers and administrators believe that these devices in the classroom create constant distractions that negatively impact academic achievement and social interactions. As with those observances, many school districts across the state and nation are updating their policies in regard to electronics.
To improve academic achievement, encourage face-to-face interactions among students, and support the village that helps raise the next generation, Sangamon Valley High School is adopting new expectations about communication devices.
Beginning August 13th, 2025, SVHS will have the following expectations regarding these devices:
Students may not use Personal Communication Devices (PCDs) in classrooms during the school day. All PCDs must remain in a provided classroom electronic caddy and be placed on vibrate or silent mode, including during school assemblies.
For now, students will be allowed to have Personal Communication Devices (PCD) at lunch and during passing periods as they travel between classrooms.
We understand that this may be a difficult adjustment for some students. Still, the policy change has been made to support the academic, social, and civic development of our students. Sangamon Valley High School is not the only high school or district that has implemented these changes in the last few years or months; districts locally and throughout the state previously established technology restrictions over the last several years. Thank you for your support in helping us create a stronger learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Communication Devices
Why has the personal communication device policy been updated?
Smartphones, earbuds, and smartwatches prove to be a constant distraction to students during class. Even when teachers enforce no phones in class, many students bring second cell phones or communicate on their smartwatches during class. These devices provide constant distractions, which have led to a decline in academic achievement and social behavior.
Will this policy update improve academic achievement and student behavior?
The updated policy is based upon research by psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who has worked since 2015 to identify changes in adolescent behavior both socially and academically. His book, "The Anxious Generation", published in 2023, includes all of the data collected, tying a decline in school performance to access to smartphone technology. If you would like more information, here are some links to explore:
Smartphones vs Smart Kids: YouTube
The Anxious Generation Evidence
Are there exceptions?
Students with medical or health needs (e.g., diabetic monitoring) may receive accommodations on a case-by-case basis, which will be determined with their 504 or IEP.
Does the policy include technology other than smartphones?
Yes. Any device that can transmit communication or receive notifications, such as smartwatches, must be turned to silent and stored in their assigned caddy. The student will also not be allowed to wear earbuds or headphones during the day unless it is determined by their 504 plan or IEP.
Will the school randomly search students for their communication devices?
No. If students do not comply with the expectations and requirements, the referral process will be completed.
How will I be able to communicate with my child during the school day?
You may call the school office, and they will be able to deliver your message to your student during the school day. Students may also use the phone in the school office to call home if needed. Otherwise, students will be available on their devices during passing periods to check messages or during their lunch hour. In emergent situations, please call the HS office.
What are the consequences for a student using their PCD during school hours?
1st Violation: 1st Minor Referral and student conference.
2nd Violation: 2nd Major Referral and students will tum in devices to the office during their conference with administration and be given 1 lunch detention
3rd violation: 3rd Major Referral and students will tum in devices to the office during their conference with an administrator. The student will be given a day of ISS (in school suspension). The 3rd violation will require the parent to pick up the device in the office.
Further infractions will result in the loss of all privileges for a time ranging from five days to the entire school year and a day of ISS for each further violation, each being a Major Referral.
Can students use their PCDs during after-school activities?
Yes. Students may use their devices before and after school. However, when students enter their 1st-period class, they must first place their devices on silent and non-vibrate and store them in their class caddy. The purpose of this is to create an educational environment free of technological distractions.
Are Smartwatches considered PCDs?
Yes. Smartwatches that can independently ( of a cell phone) send/receive texts/calls or on wifi are not allowed during class time. They will be able to wear their communication device, such as a watch, on the way to school, during passing periods and lunch, and after school. As soon as the school day is done, they may access their device. If parents/guardians need to communicate with their child, they may contact the school office, and the office will be able to send a message to their child, or the child can be called out of class to talk on the office phone with their parent/guardian or teachers can communicate a note from the office as well.
Will staff members be allowed to use their PCDs?
Yes. Staff members will model expectations during school hours; however, in the case that their PCD is needed as an academic tool, staff retain the ability to use the technology during school hours (e.g., timers, documentation, etc). When necessary, staff may use PCDs when they are not in the presence of students during their prep period and lunch time.
Why can't my child use their device during a school emergency?
During an emergency, we all want to have instant information to see if our loved ones are safe. However, law enforcement agencies have concluded that having personal devices during an emergency can cause several issues:
Potential to hinder emergency response time. During a crisis, the mass use of cell phones can overload local call networks, interfering with emergency responders' communications. Additionally, cell phone use may encourage parents to rush to the school, potentially creating traffic congestion and interfering with evacuation or emergency response/procedures.
Distraction from safety protocols. Our teachers are well-trained in emergency protocols, and if students are focusing on their phones during an emergency, they may fail to follow important safety instructions by teachers and first responders.
Revealing locations to potential threats. In situations like an active shooter scenario, cell phone activity (ringing, vibrating, screen lights) could reveal hidden locations to a perpetrator.
Spread of misinformation: Panicked students may unintentionally send inaccurate information, which could then be shared with first responders, potentially hindering the emergency response.
Families who have further questions should contact:
Mrs. Burge, Principal — kburge@sangamonvalley.org
Mr. Fleming, Dean — dfleming@sangamonvalley.org