RPS "bell-to-bell" cell phone ban goes into effect in January
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Richmond Public Schools have a new cell phone policy for students that goes into effect on Jan. 6, the district's first day back from winter break.
Why it matters: For the first time, all RPS students won't be allowed to use their phones from "bell to bell" during the school day.
Catch up quick: Gov. Youngkin issued an executive order in July requiring all Virginia school districts to ban student cell phone use by New Year's Day.
- Subsequent guidance from the Virginia Department of Education recommended districts prohibit all students from using their phones during school hours.
Zoom in: RPS' school board voted unanimously last month to adopt VDOE's recommended policy requiring students to keep cell phones, smartwatches, and Bluetooth devices powered off and tucked away from the first to last school-day bell.
- "Bell to bell" includes time between classes and at lunch, which means students can't use their phones or have them out and visible to others throughout the day.
- RPS students can store their own phones rather than turn them over to an administrator or teacher.
- Exceptions are allowed for instructional purposes or medical needs.
Yes, but: Students could lose their self-storage rights if they break the rules as part of the tiered disciplinary policy the school board unveiled this week.
For the 1st offense: Verbal warning.
- 2nd offense: Written warning, parental/caregiver contact, and possible temporary phone confiscation.
- 3rd offense: Disciplinary action, which could include in or out-of-school suspension.
- Severe violations, which include cheating and cyberbullying: Possible suspension or law enforcement involvement.
Worth noting: ☎️ Parents or students who need to reach each other by telephone can report to or call the main office — via landline.