Meany Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Cellphone Policy at Meany

Meany is a cellphone-free campus. We want to ensure that all students, staff, and families understand the expectations and discipline procedures that will accompany the use of Yondr pouches.

Expectations:

• All students will be required to secure their cellphones, AirPods, and smartwatches in their Yondr pouch before entering the building each morning.
• The devices need to be turned off, placed on Do not disturb or Airplane mode
• Students will participate in a daily pouch check at entry to confirm compliance.
• Over-the-head headphones (e.g., Beats, Bose) and other non-school-issued devices are not permitted on campus during the school day.
• Any staff member may request to see a student’s pouch at any time during the day.

If a non-school item is visible outside of the Yondr pouch during the school day, it will be confiscated immediately.

Progressive Discipline for Policy Violations:

1. First Violation(s): Confiscated item returned at the end of the day.
2. Repeat Violations: Student will be placed on a 1-, 3-, or 5-day “Turn-In Plan”—they will be required to turn their phone in at the start of each day until the designated period ends.
3. Ongoing Noncompliance: Student will move to daily confiscation, assigned lunch detention, and may lose additional privileges.
4. Disrespectful or defiant behavior from students or families in response to the policy will result in an out-of-school consequence and a required parent meeting. Reentry will be contingent upon agreement to follow the policy moving forward.

This policy is designed to support student focus, increase engagement, and create a healthier learning environment. We appreciate your cooperation and partnership as we implement this important shift for our school community.

Warmly,

Chanda E. Oatis Trotman
Principal, Meany Middle School

---

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