Student Cell Phone Information

CVSU Phone Free Schools FAQ 

Why is CVSU making this change? ​
CVSU schools are becoming phone free during the school day to support student learning, mental health, positive peer interaction, and a more focused school environment. Personal electronic devices can create distractions during instruction, contribute to social conflict, and reduce face-to-face engagement among students. Vermont law also requires school districts to adopt and enforce a student cell phone and personal electronic device policy beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

What does "phone free" mean? 
It means that from the time students arrive at school until dismissal, students may not access, use, wear, or display cell phones or other prohibited personal electronic devices. Devices must be powered off and stored according to school procedures.

When does the rule apply? 
The expectation applies from student arrival at school until dismissal. It applies throughout the academic day, including classrooms, hallways, common areas, restrooms, locker rooms, recess, outdoor spaces, and school-sponsored activities unless specific permission has been granted.

What devices are covered by this policy?
The policy applies to cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, smart glasses, and any other non-school-issued personal electronic device that connects to cellular networks, the internet, or uses wireless technology.

Does this apply to school issued devices? 
No. School-issued devices used for instruction, such as school Chromebooks or other district-provided technology, are not prohibited by this policy when used appropriately for school purposes.

Can my child bring a phone to school?
Yes. Students may bring a phone or other personal electronic device to school. However, the device must be powered off and stored in the school-designated location. It may not be carried on the student’s person or accessed during the school day.

Where will students store their phones?
Each school will establish a storage system appropriate for its building. Options may include classroom-based storage, lockers or lockboxes, centralized office storage, or another school-approved system. Principals will share school-specific procedures in August before the start of the school year.

Can a student keep a phone in a backpack?
Only if that option is specifically authorized by the school. If allowed, the device must be powered off and fully out of sight. Accessing the device at any point during the school day would be considered a policy violation.

Can students keep phones in their pockets?
No. The procedure states that devices may not be carried in pockets, worn on the body, or accessed during the school day.

What about smartwatches?
Smartwatches and similar wearable devices are covered by the policy. They may not be worn during the school day unless approved as part of a documented accommodation.

What about earbuds or headphones?
Personal earbuds, headphones, and similar audio devices may not be used during the school day unless they are school-issued or specifically authorized for an instructional purpose or documented accommodation.

How will I contact my child during the school day?
Families should call the school office. School office staff will ensure that important or urgent messages are delivered to students in a timely manner.

Can my child contact me during the school day?
Students may not use personal electronic devices to contact families during the school day unless an approved exception applies. If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian, the student should work with the school office.

What happens in an emergency?
In an emergency, the school will communicate directly with families through established school and district communication systems. Families should avoid relying on student cell phones for emergency information, as this can create confusion and interfere with school safety procedures.

Are there exceptions for medical needs or disability-related accommodations?
Yes. Limited access may be permitted when required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, Individualized Health Care Plan, or for compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Any exception must be documented and verified by school administration. When possible, the district will use school-owned devices to meet student needs.

Can a student use a phone for a class project or school activity?
Only if an administrator grants permission for a specific academic, athletic, co-curricular, or school-sponsored purpose. Any permission will be limited to the approved purpose and time period.

Does this apply to field trips?
Generally, yes. Students are expected to remain free from access to personal electronic devices during school-sponsored field trips unless an administrator authorizes limited use for supervision, safety, or instructional purposes. Families will be informed when field trip expectations differ.

Does this apply to after-school programs?
District-operated after-school programs may establish separate procedures. The after-school programs will communicate any program-specific expectations to families and students.

What happens if a student violates the policy?
The goal is corrective rather than punitive. A first violation will typically result in a reminder and the device being secured for the remainder of the day. Repeated violations may result in the device being held in the office, parent or guardian notification, administrative documentation, parent pickup, or additional consequences consistent with the student code of conduct.

Can a student lose the privilege of bringing a phone to school?
Yes. In cases of repeated or defiant violations, a student may be restricted from bringing a cell phone or prohibited device to school for an extended period of time.

Will staff search students for phones?
No. The procedure emphasizes visual and preventative monitoring, clear reminders, and administrative support. Students are not to be searched for devices except as permitted under district policy and applicable law.

Is the school responsible if a phone is lost or damaged?
Students bring personal devices to school at their own risk. Schools will take reasonable steps to safeguard stored devices, but families should understand that bringing a personal electronic device to school is voluntary.

How will students be supported during the transition?
During the first year of implementation, schools will provide student education and support related to digital habits, technology balance, and healthy device use. Staff will reinforce expectations consistently and calmly.