Handbook

All Wainwright classrooms, passing periods, recesses and lunches will be cell phone and Bluetooth headphones free. Meaning there is no cell phone or Bluetooth headphone use in the building. As a result, students will be expected to have cell phones turned off or on silent mode and placed in their backpack or locker.

Wainwright families and staff overwhelmingly agreed that a consistent school-wide policy to prohibit cell phone use during the day will support student success. It will allow students to stay more engaged and present in their learning and social environment. The intent is to support them in their academic success, removing major temptations and distractions and promoting face-to-face social interaction and connection.  

We appreciate your partnership in supporting this new policy. We believe this policy will increase our students’ ability to focus on class and decrease the amount of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Below are the expectations for Wainwright students regarding cell phone use this year. 

FIRST BELL TO LAST BELL NO CELL

1. Cell phones may be used on school grounds before and after school. 
2. Cell phone use is prohibited inside the school or during recess unless the student visits the office to make a phone call to guardians.  
3. During the instructional day, cell phones must remain either in a student’s backpack or locker. If your student needs a backpack for this purpose, we are happy to support.
4. The use of headphones is permitted in the classroom but will be limited to academic purposes only, with school provided or approved headphones. Student may bring their own NON-Bluetooth Headphones. Wireless earbuds and headphones are not allowed. Because we have to closely monitor the use of earbuds, hoods and hats that cover ears may not be worn.
5. Students will be subject to disciplinary action if they use their cell phones during the day.
6. The school and its staff are not responsible for any damage to or theft of a student’s cell phone. Students must properly secure and take care of their own phones. 
7. During any safety drills or emergencies, cell phone use is prohibited to ensure safety. Communication regarding school emergencies will come from Administration. 

If students violate the school’s cell phone policy, the following will occur: 

• First offense: Staff member will remind student of the cell phone policy and expectations and will take the cell phone. Student will receive cell phone back at the end of the period.
• Second offense: The student’s cell phone will be confiscated. Teacher will bring to the main office and it will be held until the end of the school day. Teacher will contact student’s guardian and inform them of the refusal to follow the school’s cell phone policy. Student may pick up their phone at the end of the school day. 
• Third offense: The student’s cell phone will be confiscated and held in the main office until the student’s guardian is able to pick it up. The student will receive lunch detention to review the cell phone policy. Guardians will receive a phone call from school administration.
• Fourth Offense: The student will be placed on an individual cell phone contract, which may result in turning the cell phone in to the main office at the start of the school day. Guardians will receive a phone call from school administration.

If a student violates the school’s cell phone policy and refuses to give their cell phone to the teacher requesting it, school administration will be called. The cell phone will automatically be kept in the office that day. Further consequences will be determined by the above offense list, depending on the student’s number of cell phone offenses.

Please note that administration reserves the right to adjust these consequences on a case-by-case basis, if needed. For example, extreme behaviors that break the law or engage in bullying or harassment of other students may result in exclusionary discipline.