'Bell to Bell' policy added to JSD handbooks

What would the first day of school be like without students receiving their new school policy handbooks?
The Jasper School District Board of Education reviewed final revisions to both the athletics and student handbooks at its regular meeting held Wednesday night, July 23.
There are many changes to this year's editions. Interim Superintendent Kim Liggett, reviewed them with the board. Most notable in the student handbook are changes to the student dress code, the prohibition of energy drinks, updated concept forms for medication administration at school and even a prom dress code adjusted to allow hats and removed the requirement for a sport coat.
The most prominent policy addition is the one addressing cell phones and personal electronic devices brought to school by students. The policy follows the state's "Bell to Bell, No Cell Act"which mandates a phone-free environment during the school day for all public schools and open-enrollment charter schools, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This means students will be prohibited from using personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, and other devices capable of transmitting data, during school hours. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, school-issued devices, or specific authorized school events.
The bill's sponsors emphasize that the goal is to minimize distractions and improve student socialization, allowing students to focus on learning and interacting with each other without the constant pull of social media and other digital distractions.
According to the Act: Schools must develop and implement policies restricting the possession and use of personal electronic devices during school hours. These policies must be submitted to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education by August 15.
In addition, the policy must also be published on the school's website before the first day of the school year.
The law allows for exceptions, such as for students who need devices for health reasons or when a device is specifically assigned by the school. It also permits use during authorized school events, after-school activities, and emergencies.

According to the school district's policy, a student shall be deemed to not be in possession of a personal electronic device if:
"The device is in their bag, as long as they are not reaching into the bag to access it during the school day except as permitted by law when removing it from te bag to access; the student's locker; or the student's vehicle;"
The use of cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited on campus during the school day from 7:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Disciplinary consequences at the high school include:
1st offense - Device confiscated for the remainder of the day; student may pick up the device at the end of the day, and 1 day detention.
2nd offense - device confiscated for the remainder of the day, guardian must ice up the device and 2 days detention
3rd offense - Device confiscated for the remainder of the day, guardian must pick up the device and 1 day in-school suspension.
Elementary consequences - Minimum punishment of parent contact to a maximum punishment of out-of-school suspension to be at the discretion of the building administrator.