Nathan Hale Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Cellphones and Electronic Devices

It is the strong recommendation of Nathan Hale High School that students and their families carefully weigh the choice of whether to bring personal cellphones, music players, cameras, and other personal electronic devices to school. Mobile devices (such as cellphones and headphones) are disruptive to the learning environment, often create discipline problems, and are all too frequently damaged, lost, or stolen. Furthermore, certain mobile device habits contribute to health issues.  If students do bring cellphones and/or other personal electronic devices to school, they are subject to the following policy guidelines.

Use of Electronic Devices at School

Cellphones and other personal electronic devices must be turned off (silent) and kept out of sight during academic time. Devices may be used before school, during lunch, or afterschool. This policy will be strictly enforced throughout the school by staff, administration, security, and volunteers.

Parents and guardians needing to contact their students should call the main office 206-252-3680.

Cellphones, cameras, or other devices should not be used to photograph or film others at any time during the school day without their consent.

Care for Electronic Devices

1. Students who bring cellphones or other personal electronic devices to school are solely responsible for the safety and security of those devices.
2. The school accepts no responsibility for cellphones or other personal electronic devices that are lost, damaged, or stolen at school or while traveling to and from school.

Process for violation of policy

Students who violate the rules for the use of electronic devices, set forth above, will face corrective action as described below:

• First violation – warning and teacher will contact student’s family.
• Second violation – device is confiscated and kept until the end of the day. Student’s family is contacted.
• Third violation – device is confiscated and must be picked up by student’s family. Further discipline may apply.

Further discipline may vary from school service to suspension, depending on individual circumstance. Our intention is to suspend the phone and habit, and not the learner.

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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