The Mancos School District has issued a second draft of an updated districtwide cellphone policy that aims to promote focus in the classroom, student-to-student connection, student well-being and fewer distractions. The policy also includes other devices like smartwatches, laptops, cameras and more.
The new policy puts a near-total restriction on cellphones and smartwatches throughout the entirety of the school day, with the exception of high school students during lunch period. Under the proposal, elementary and middle school students would store devices in a device-specific locker that is inaccessible throughout the school day ‒ from morning bell until school is dismissed for the day. High school students would also store their devices in a locker, but are permitted to use devices during lunch period, whether on or off campus.
Middle and high school students would have a key to their device locker.
When the policy is violated, the device will be confiscated by the school and returned following a parent conference. Consequences following the infraction may include a research assignment and report, loss of off-campus lunch privileges, detention, bag checks, or in- or out-of-school detention, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.
The draft builds on the existing policy for the district, which was put in place in 2022 and revised in 2024. The current policy’s rules for devices were more flexible, with most devices to remain in the student’s bag. High school students were also permitted to access their phones during passing periods, but the district reported that caused enforcement challenges due to inconsistent application and frequent rule breaking.
The new version aims to create clearer expectations for students and teachers while emphasizing phone-free environments for the sake of student well-being, learning and focus while instruction is taking place.
“We know that reductions to cellphone availability during the school day will cause difficulty for some students and families initially. However, our commitment to creating the best possible conditions supersedes the challenges we all will face in our transition to new practices,” the district said in a letter to the Mancos community.
The review process for the policy began in April after the board and school leaders reviewed end-of-year data on school climate, reflections and incidents involving devices in the district. After further discussions on how technology impacts student learning and development, surveys were sent out, focus groups were held and input was gathered from Mancos’ District Accountability Committee and school board. The first draft was shared in June.
“Mancos School District is not alone in our efforts to ensure a safe and engaging learning environment for our students. Across our region, country and the world, communities are reflecting deeply on the impact cellphone and personal device use has on student learning and social development,” the letter said. “Ongoing research shows that cellphones in schools increase distraction and anxiety, impacting teaching, learning and social development. Here in Mancos schools, we see these impacts everyday and have taken a step forward to address these concerns”
The second draft incorporates feedback received so far from students, parents, teachers and community members, while adding details on emergencies, disciplinary action for infractions, how parents can contact students and accommodations for medical or academic needs.
Now, before the final draft is written, the district is seeking feedback on the second draft. The deadline to submit feedback is Monday, July 27. Feedback can be submitted in an online form, through attending a listening session on Thursday or emailing district leaders directly.
The online form can be accessed online at bit.ly/PhonePolicyForm. The full draft policy can be found at bit.ly/PhonePolicyDraft2.
Responses will be reviewed on July 27 and the board will hold a special meeting that night. A final version is expected to be released on July 31, prior to the start of the 2026-27 school year.
bduran@the-journal.com
