Dear Tolleson Union High School District Community,
As part of a new Arizona law (House Bill 2484), all public and charter schools must now limit student access to cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day. The law allows exceptions only for emergencies, medical needs, or teacher-directed academic use. It also requires schools to restrict access to social media platforms on school internet networks unless they are being used for educational purposes. This past year we ran several pilot programs targeted at determining the best method to limit the distraction of cell phones in the classroom while acknowledging that students need some reasonable access to their phones during the day. The pilot program at Sierra Linda High School with the use of cell phone lockboxes showed the most promise and will now be our District approach.
To comply with this law and support focused, distraction-free classrooms, Tolleson Union High School District is implementing the following policy during class time:
- Students must place their personal electronic devices (phones, headphones, earbuds, etc.) in their backpack or personal bag, or in the classroom lockbox. Devices may not be kept on their person during class.
- The cell phone lockboxes are not expected to be received until late August, but they will be distributed to sites as they come in. Until then, students are expected to use their backpack or personal bag to store their devices.
Students will be able to check messages and make quick calls during their seven-minute passing period between classes and during their lunch period. We believe this approach will support improved engagement, reduce distractions, and help students make the most of their instructional time. Additionally, it will properly prepare them for life after high school since most employers would also want them to be responsible with their cell phone use. Research and experience show that minimizing personal device use in class strengthens focus, increases academic performance, and fosters better connections between students and teachers. It is our hope that this change will not only keep us compliant with the new law but also improve our learning environment. Parents, we thank you for your continued support and hope that you will help reinforce this message with your students.
Jeremy I. Calles
Superintendent
