Nathan Hale Student Cellphone Use Expectations

The new SPS Student Cellphone Use Expectations began on May 4, 2026 to support focused learning districtwide. For Nathan Hale the “No Cell Bell to Bell,” as shared at the beginning of the school year in the NHHS Students Rights and Responsibilities presentation to all students, as well as in the start of school required forms packet sent home to families, the new SPS expectation is not new to our students.

The exception is that cellphones will no longer be allowed during Mentorship/Advisory. Although we do not have actual bells at Nathan Hale, students understand that means from the start of the period to the end of the period (“Academic Time”) according to the Nathan Hale Bell Schedule. Students are allowed to use their cellphones, headphones, and other personal electronic devices before school, during lunch, and at passing periods.

If students cannot adhere to the cellphone expectations the following support is in place:

• 1st Offense: Teacher warning, parent contact, student puts away.
• 2nd Offense: Confiscation, parent contact, student picks up in office at end of day.
• 3rd Offense: Confiscation, parents pick up from office at the end of the school day, further discipline may apply.
• Possible further disciplinary consequences, if misuse continues.

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.

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District Updates

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