Whitman Middle School 2025-26
Introducing the Phone Away for the Day Policy

We’re excited to share a new step we’re taking to help our students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Starting this school year September 2025, Whitman Middle School will be implementing a Phone Away for the Day Policy.

Why are we doing this?
Research and feedback from our community show that having phones out during the school day can:

• Make it harder for students to focus and learn, even if phones aren’t being used.
• Increase feelings of anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
• Interrupt classrooms and reduce time spent connecting with friends face-to-face.

What does this mean for your child?

• Students will turn off phones and smart devices and keep them out of sight from the moment they enter the building until they leave.
• If a phone is seen in public spaces like hallways or lunchrooms, staff will handle it discreetly.
• Teachers will manage classroom phone use and may send students to the office if needed.

Supporting our students
We know many students use music or other tools to help with stress, and we’ll continue to support healthy ways for them to manage anxiety and build positive social connections.

How discipline will work
We believe in kindness and respect. Following Seattle Public Schools’ guidelines, here’s how we’ll respond to phone use during the day:

• First time: We’ll notify you and return the phone to your child at the end of the day.
• Second time: We’ll notify you again and return the phone to you at the end of the day.
• Third time: We’ll schedule a parent conference and discuss additional steps.

Together, we can create a focused, positive environment that helps every student grow beyond their screens. Thank you for your support and partnership.

Beginning Monday, May 4, 2026 Seattle Public Schools will implement a districtwide student cellphone use procedure across all schools.

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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