W-L Cell Phone Policy

All student phones and personal devices to be off and away for the entire school day.

On Dec. 12, the School Board approved Policy J-30 Student Use of Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices. In accordance with Virginia Department of Education guidance and Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order, the new policy requires all student phones and personal devices to be off and away for the entire school day at all grade levels.

Effective Jan. 6, 2025:

• All APS students will be required to turn their phones and devices off and put them away for the entire school day.
• High schools will designate a particular room where students can access their phones to receive and send messages at a designated period of time during the day.
  1. At Washington-Liberty HS students will briefly be able to use their phone if needed at lunch time in the library for a period of time not to exceed 5-7 minutes.
• Students who require the use of their phone or device as an accommodation or for a medical need may make requests through their 504 plan, Individualized Education Plan or Individualized Health Care Plan.
• In the event of an emergency, students who can safely access their phones will be able to use them.

Additional information is available on the APS website. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to strengthen instruction and engaged learning environments at all APS schools.