Garfield Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Garfield Cellphone Policy August 2025

Cellphones are one of the biggest distractions from learning and a frequent source of conflict in schools. To address this, Garfield has adopted a schoolwide cellphone policy that creates consistent expectations across classrooms. The purpose of this policy is to maximize instructional time, ensure fairness for all students, and reduce confusion for families.

Overview of Expectations

• Every classroom has a designated cellphone hotel where phones are stored during instructional time.
• Students are required to place their phones in the hotel at the start of class. Phones may not be kept in backpacks, on desks, or in pockets.
• Teachers do not personally hold or store student phones.
• Teachers enforce the policy consistently in every classroom, every day.
• In the event of a lockdown or shelter-in-place, students will be permitted to have their phones with them.

When students do not follow the policy, teachers first reteach the expectation and remind students of the rules. Continued refusals are documented, parents are contacted, and classroom strategies are applied. If the behavior becomes a pattern, it will be treated as a discipline matter and may result in further consequences.

A consistent cellphone policy matters because it reduces conflict, creates equity across classrooms, and helps students stay focused on learning. By building clear, predictable routines, we ensure all students can access instruction in an environment that is safe, fair, and free from unnecessary distractions.

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