FRSD Students, Families and Staff,

If you attended school registration,  you have likely heard about and received paperwork regarding the new restrictions regarding electronic devices in schools.

BACKGROUND:  Personal electronic devices such as cell phones and smartwatches have increasingly become a concern in schools.  These concerns include contributing to classroom distractions and the impact they can have on the mental health of a student.  In July, the State of Oregon issued Executive Order 25-09, requiring all public schools to limit student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, including lunch and passing periods. 

WHAT WILL THAT LOOK LIKE IN FERN RIDGE:  At the August board meeting, the school board reviewed and approved a document created by FRSD administrators that outlines how we will address this issue.  That language is now included in our student handbook on pages 8 and 9.  A direct link to the handbook can be found here:  CLICK HERE.

BOARD POLICY:  In September, the FRSD School Board will have a first reading of draft policy to support this change in handbook language, as well as the AR (Administrative Rule) that will outline how the district will implement the policy. However, the new handbook language will be followed beginning with the start of school.  

WHAT KIND OF DEVICES DOES THIS COVER?:  The policy covers all personal electronic devices, including but not limited to:  Cell phones, smart watches, wireless headphones and earbuds, or any other device capable of connecting to the internet.  The only exceptions are school provided laptops and devices critical to accommodate explicit language that is in a student's IEP or 504 plan.  A common example of this would be a student with Type 1 diabetes who needs their phone to track and send alerts in regards to blood sugar levels. 

SUPPORTS FOR STUDENTS WITH 504 PLANS, IEPs OR MEDICAL NEEDS:  We remain committed to ensuring that all students receive the accommodations and support they need.  If a student has an IEP, 504 plan, or medical necessity whereby it's use can be tied to further a specific educational outcome for the student, an exemption can be requested.  To request an exemption form, please contact your building principal.  Requests will be reviewed by a district committee and responded to within 5 days. 

FAMILY COMMUNICATION:  We understand that families may need to communicate with their student(s) during the school day.  However, we ask that students and families respect this policy.  The guidelines below outline how we can collaborate to meet specific needs:

• Students can check their cell phones and communicate with families before the start of the school day and after the last bell of the day.
• Students may come to the office to use a school phone, with permission, if needed.
• Parents can contact the school with urgent messages that cannot wait until after school, and the message will be communicated quickly.

ONGOING ADJUSTMENTS:  We understand this may be a significant change for some of our students and families, as well as for our staff that are charged with enforcing it.  It may take a few weeks to adjust.  Many districts in Oregon have adopted similar policies in recent years (prior to the new executive order) and that data has shown that it has led to stronger focus in class, improved learning, and better student mental health and social-emotional well-being.

As this new policy rolls out we will be taking feedback from staff and students and will consider making adjustments as needed.  That you in advance for your partnership and support as we undertake this change that we believe in the end, will be a positive one for the learning environment.