News Details

This spring, after months of gathering input from families, students, and staff — and a community discussion with bestselling author Katherine Martinko — our School Board adopted a new cell phone policy to help create learning environments that are focused, respectful, and free from unnecessary distractions.

Starting this fall, students will be expected to keep their cell phones and personal devices powered off and put away during instructional time under Policy 3242 and its accompanying Procedure 3242. Access will vary by grade level:

• Elementary: Devices may only be used before and after school. They must remain off and stored during the day and while riding district transportation.
• Middle school: Devices may be used before and after school only. They must be silenced and out of sight during the school day.
• High school: Devices may be used before and after school, at lunch, and during passing periods. Once in class, they must be silenced and put away from the starting bell to the ending bell.

If a student needs to contact home during the school day, they may use the school office phone in an emergency. Students with an IEP or 504 Plan that includes assistive technology will continue to follow their individualized plans. Misuse of devices may result in disciplinary action, including loss of the privilege to bring a device to school.

But policy alone isn't enough — real change requires strong partnerships between schools and families.

To support families in creating healthier tech habits at home, we are excited to now offer Qustodio, a free digital safety and wellness tool available to all Stanwood-Camano families.

With Qustodio, parents can:

• Set screen time limits
• Pause internet access
• Schedule device “bedtimes”
• View daily reports on one personal device per child

The tool also adds after-hours filtering on district Chromebooks, helping ensure safe and healthy digital use outside of school. Qustodio is private, COPPA-compliant, and fully supported by Qustodio — not managed by the school district. Learn more and sign up here: https://stanwood.onlinesafetyhub.io

Why this matters

Mounting research from education and health experts shows that in-class phone use harms student focus, academic performance, and mental health. Students in phone-free classrooms write down more information, score higher on tests, and build stronger peer connections — while incidents of anxiety, cyberbullying, and classroom disruptions decline.

We appreciate your partnership in helping our students stay present, engaged, and ready to thrive.