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Cell Phones Procedures

To help students become responsible digital citizens, reduce classroom distractions, and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment, Providence Public School District has set clear expectations around the use of personal electronic devices at school. Devices include, but are not necessarily limited to, cell phones, personal laptops, Kindles, gaming devices, AirPods, smartwatches, and similar electronics.

Because students’ needs and responsibilities grow and change with age, our guidelines are thoughtfully tailored at each level to support their developmental stage and promote success by reducing classroom distractions. Each school will share their cell phone procedures and policy at the beginning of the school year with families. 

Please find the district policy here: English | Spanish

Elementary Guardrails (grades PK-5):

Student devices will be collected at the beginning of each day by the classroom teacher and given back to students at the end of the day.

We encourage students in grades PK–5 to leave personal electronic devices at home whenever possible. If a student does bring a device to school, it must stay powered off and given to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the school day. Devices will be stored in a designated classroom storage unit.

Smartwatches may be worn, but must be set to “Do Not Disturb” mode during school hours. They should not be used for texting, phone calls, or other communication during class time. If a smartwatch becomes a distraction, school staff will work together with families using the school's tiered behavioral support and response framework to address the issue.

Secondary Guardrails (grades 6-12):

Student devices need to be off and away during instructional time.

At the secondary school level, students are given more freedom to manage their use of personal electronic devices, such as phones, earbuds, laptops, and smartwatches. With that freedom comes the responsibility to use technology respectfully, maintain academic integrity, and avoid disrupting the learning environment.

  • Use during instructional time  is not permitted per the state law.
  • Devices must be silenced and stored in accordance with their respective schools' procedures.
  • Headphones, AirPods, and earbuds are not permitted during class time. Smartwatches may be worn but should be set to “Do Not Disturb” mode during class time. They should not be used for texting, phone calls, or other communication during instructional hours.
  • If a device becomes a distraction, teachers and staff will work with students and families to address concerns in a positive and constructive manner.

Exceptions

Students with approved accommodations through an IEP, Section 504 Plan, medical need (such as glucose monitoring), or language access support may use personal electronic devices as outlined in their individual plans.