Beginning Sept. 2, the Klamath County School District is implementing Oregon’s new rule banning the student use of personal electronic devices on school campuses during the instructional day. Under the new rule, devices must be left at home or powered off and put away until school is dismissed for the day.
The purpose is simple: we want our students to be able to learn, connect, and engage without the constant pull of cell phones, smartwatches, and similar devices.
We know families value being able to reach their children, and we’ve created this framework with that in mind. Here are the main things to know:
● Cell phones
● Tablets
● Smartwatches (cellular-capable or phone-linked)
● Any device that can connect to a cell network
● Elementary school: From the moment students arrive on campus until the dismissal bell.
● Junior high and high school: Devices should stay at home, in a locker, or checked in at the main office for the whole instructional day.
● Students may use devices while riding the bus to and from school.
● Devices shall not be used on instructional field trips when staff are supervising.
● The no-device rule applies to all district campuses and properties including private vehicles parked on school property during the instructional day.
Yes — but only in rare cases, such as if a device is written into a student’s IEP or 504 plan as a medical device. Exemptions must require the device to serve an essential function not easily served by a device compliant with the new rules.
We’ll focus on reteaching, not punishment. Typically:
Every school office will have a student phone available, and parents may call the office if they need to get in touch. We’ll make sure your child gets the message.
We know devices are a big part of life today, but research supports what many parents and educators already know: having devices like cell phones in view — even when unused — can spark distractions and anxiety, and pull focus from the joy of learning.