BHS/EHHS Cell Phone Policy 2024-25 

Bainbridge HS staff have overwhelmingly agreed that a consistent school-wide policy to prohibit cell phones and accompanying electronics during class time will allow students to stay more present and engaged in their learning. The intent is to support our students in their academic success by removing a major temptation and distraction, as well as promote face to face interaction and connection. 

As such, beginning in the 2024-25 school year, our school campus will become a cell phone free zone during our class periods. During this time, phones will need to be turned off or silenced and away in a bag or purse, or stored in a phone caddy. Phones are not to be stored on one’s person such as in a pocket.  Teachers will direct their students about their preferred expectation. Should the need arise to use a cell phone in class for an academic purpose, teachers will announce the exception. Once such an academic need concludes, students will once again be asked to put phones away. Phones will also not be permitted in hallways or bathrooms while students are out of class. Should families have en emergent need requiring contact with their student, please call the BHS Main Office at 206-842-2634 or the Eagle Harbor HS Main Office at 206-780-1646.

As a technology forward school, Bainbridge HS wants to help teach and promote appropriate digital citizenship. We also know that phones are an important communication tool for teens as they grow in their independence. Therefore, as a way to support students’ personal needs and connections, responsible cell phone use will be allowed during passing periods, lunchtime, and before and after school time. 

No BHS staff member will be liable for lost or stolen cell phones. Students bring all personal property and valuables to school at their own risk. 

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The following protocol will be followed if students are found to be out of compliance with this policy: 

Universal expectations: Signage in hallways, individual classrooms, and syllabi. Teachers outlining common expectations during the first weeks. Communication to families in August and again at the beginning of the year, reminders as needed about how to contact students during the day. Staff members modeling expectations during class time. 

First Offense: Phone is taken by a staff member. Staff member either takes phone to main office or emails campus monitors/admin at bhscell@bisd303.org to pick it up. Phone is logged by campus monitors as an offense. Templated email is sent to family and student by admin to document. Students can pick up their phone at the end of the day (3:15) from the main office. 

Second Offense: Phone is taken by a staff member. Staff member either takes phone to main office or emails campus monitors/admin at bhscell@bisd303.org to pick it up. Phone is logged by campus monitors as an offense. Templated email is sent to family and student by admin to document. Parent/Guardian in-person meeting (preferred) and/or telephone conversation will be required for pick up. 

Third Offense: Phone is taken by a staff member. Staff member either takes phone to main office or emails campus monitors/admin at bhscell@bisd303.org  to pick it up. Phone is logged by campus monitors as an offense. Templated email is sent to family and student by admin to document. Students will not be allowed to bring a phone to school for a length of time mutually agreed upon by Parent/Guardian and BHS Administration. 

**Students with a health plan or a 504/IEP accommodation that requires a phone will be supported individually.