Northeast Dubois Schools Adopt Bell-to-Bell Personal Wireless Device Policy

A revised, approved cell phone policy will appear in student handbooks for the upcoming school year, reflecting the recently passed Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 78 and Indiana Code 20-30-2-2. Key policy changes include a bell-to-bell policy where cell phones and other personal devices must be powered off and inaccessible from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 

While the legislation is enacted at the state level with certain specific requirements, there are elements that each school may interpret differently. At Northeast Dubois schools, administrators felt that it was important that students be able to access their phones before and after school. Students may possess devices before and after school, but they must be powered off, stored away, and inaccessible throughout the school day. Permitted storage locations include lockers, backpacks (in lockers), or vehicles. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen devices. 

Personal devices banned during school hours include cell phones, smartwatches, personal tablets and laptops, gaming devices, and any device capable of internet or cellular connection. Exceptions apply for students with IEPs, 504 plans, medical needs, emergencies, or ELL accommodations, subject to administrative approval. Work-based learning students may carry phones when traveling to offsite placements.

 Student communication alternatives include ParentSquare and StudentSquare, official school communication platforms that enable students and parents to communicate digitally during the school day via student Chromebooks. Students will not have unrestricted use, but may use these platforms as documented, school-sponsored communication tools. A phone call to the school office remains the primary means for communicating urgent messages to students. Disciplinary actions for violations are clearly outlined in the student handbook. A first offense typically results in a warning, while repeated offenses lead to stricter consequences. The policy is stricter than before, as no phone use is allowed during passing periods or lunch, unlike previous allowances. 

The policy was described as an extension and tightening of previous rules, rather than a radical change. There is some uncertainty about how the policy will affect field trip phone use and whether non-parent third parties can contact students via StudentSquare. Headphones and earbuds are currently excluded from the policy, allowing teacher discretion on a case-by-case basis, especially to accommodate IEP-related needs. 

The district plans to communicate the policy changes widely via social media, student handouts, and parent notifications.