Ballard HS Phone Policy – Effective May 4, 2026

Phones have increasingly become a distraction and challenge that impacts student learning. In an effort to support student learning and increase healthy social interaction, Ballard HS is adhering to a strict no cellphone policy during all instructional time. All teachers will be required to have a clear phone zone in their classroom for phones to be stored. Individual exceptions may exist only if there are specific, explicitly written instructions within a student’s IEP or 504.

Non-compliance with this expectation leads to the following consequences:

1. Verbal warning and device returned to the phone zone.
2. Teacher confiscation of student’s phone. Teacher would alert family and admin.
3. Upon a repeated incidence of step two, teacher will confiscate phone and be returned to the main office by teacher for parent pick-up at the end of the day with the student’s designated administrator.
4. Digital behavior intervention plan to be codesigned with administration, student, and family.

Failure to comply with teacher and administrative expectations is considered non-compliance with school authorities and leads to building level consequences. Phone usage will not be monitored during passing periods or lunch time.

This policy is to be revisited after 90 days by Ballard High School’s Building Leadership Team to determine its efficacy.

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District Updates

Supporting Focused Learning: New Districtwide Student Cellphone Procedure Begins May 4

Beginning Monday, May 4, Seattle Public Schools will implement a districtwide student cellphone use procedure across all schools.

We want to share why this change is being made and how it supports students.

What to Expect

The procedure reflects students’ developmental needs:

• Grades K–8: Phones will be “Away for the Day”, not accessible during school hours. 
• Grades 9–12: Phones will be “No Cell Bell to Bell”. Phones will be kept away during class, with limited access during lunch and passing periods.

This approach protects learning time while helping older students build responsible device habits.

School leaders will retain flexibility in storage routines and tools while maintaining the same expectations districtwide. Please be on the lookout for a letter from your school leader that explains your school’s storage routine.

Why This Change

Until now, cellphone expectations have varied from school to school, which has been confusing for families and inconsistent for students. Our goal is to ensure all students have the same clear, fair expectations and the best possible conditions for learning, no matter which school they attend.

What We Learned

District review, pilot schools, and feedback from students, families, and educators showed consistent results:

• When phones are kept away during instruction, students are more engaged and better able to focus 
• Fewer distractions lead to calmer classrooms and stronger learning experiences 

Research reinforces what schools see every day. Cellphones, even when not actively used, can interrupt attention, lower academic performance, and make it harder for students to refocus. Cellphone use can also contribute to increased stress, cyberbullying, and other well‑being concerns.

Supporting All Students

Students who need access to a device for medical needs or documented IEP or Section 504 accommodations will continue to receive those supports.

This procedure is not about punishment; it is about creating focused, supportive learning environments and clear expectations for everyone. Thank you for partnering with us to help students learn, connect, and thrive.

If you have questions, please contact us using Let’s Talk.

With appreciation,

Bev Redmond  
Chief of Staff and Public Affairs  
Seattle Public Schools