Cell Phone Policy

Jul 14
3 min read

Updated: Jul 31

Aloha Searider 'Ohana;

Welcome to the new school year! As many of you may have read, the State of Hawaii Board of Education along with the Department of Education has implemented a statewide directive on cell phone use in public school. We are writing to inform you of a change to our school's cell phone procedures that will be implemented for all students for the entirety of the school year.

Why the Change?

This change is being put in place to ensure that every student has the best possible learning environment and can maximize their instructional time in the classroom. Over the years, we have observed a substantial amount of lost learning time due to student cell phone usage during class time. Our primary mission is to educate, and continuous distractions undermine that goal. Beyond the loss of learning time, other critical reasons for this update include:

Minimizing Distractions: Cell phones, even when used briefly, disrupt the focus of the user and those around them, making it difficult for teachers to maintain momentum and for students to concentrate on challenging material.
Encouraging Face-to-Face Interaction: Class time is valuable for group work, discussion, and
building collaborative skills. Removing the distraction of personal devices helps foster these essential social and academic interactions amongst their peers.
Reducing Chapter 19 Violations: Collecting phones helps prevent issues related to unauthorized picture/video taking or sharing, academic dishonesty, scheduling fights, and cyberbullying

The New Procedue

Starting August 4, the following procedure will be strictly followed for all Wai'anae High School

Collection/Stowed: At the beginning of every period, teachers will collect cell phones as students enter the classroom. If a student does not turn it in, it must be stowed in their bag for the entirety of class - including restroom/water breaks. Cell phones must be turned off when collected or stowed
Secured: Collected devices will be placed in a secure location for the duration of the class.
Return: Devices will be returned by the teacher at the end of the period.

It is essential that all students in classrooms comply with this new procedure to allow the maximum

amount of instructional time. Refusal to comply is a violation of Chapter 19 and may result in

consequence.

First Violation: If a student is seen with or using a cell phone - or other prohibited electronic device (see below) - during class time, either in the classroom or in common areas such as bathroom, water fountains, etc., the teacher will give a verbal warning and classroom-level correction. This serves as a formal notice to redirect behavior before further consequences are taken.
Second Violation: If a student incurs a second violation, the teacher will call an administrator. The administrator will come to the classroom to retrieve the phone. The student will only be able to pick up the device from the grade level office at the end of the school day.
Multiple Violations: If a student incurs multiple violations, an administrator will again retrieve the device, and the cell phone will only be returned to a parent or guardian who must come to the school office to pick it up.

What About H e a d p h o n e s / A i r p o d s ?

Students are not required to turn-in their headphones/airpods when turning-in their phones at the

beginning of the period. However, these devices must be put away during class time. Failure to follow

teacher directives will result in administration being called, the device taken away, and the student can

pick up the device at the end of the school day.

Liability and Duty of Care

As cell phones are not required, the Department and individual schools assume no responsibility for the

loss, theft, or damage of personal cell phones brought onto campus or confiscated due to policy

violations. This disclaimer protects the school from liability for issues outside of its control, such as a cell

phone being stolen from a storage caddy.

Contacting Students During the Day

We understand that emergencies or important communications may arise during the school day.

If you need to get a hold of your student during class time, please call the main school office at

(808)697-9400. A staff member will take the message and ensure it is delivered to your student.

We believe these new procedures will create a more focused and productive learning environment for all

Wai anae High School Seariders, helping them achieve their academic goals. We appreciate your

cooperation and support as we make this important shift.