08/07/2026
As previously communicated, beginning on the first day of the 2026-27 school year (Tuesday, August 11, 2026), District 300 will implement a new policy for student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
Our goal is simple: Reduce distractions so students can focus, learn, and build strong relationships at school.
On July 28, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a new Illinois law requiring public school districts to adopt policies limiting student use of cellphones and other wireless communication devices during the school day. District 300’s policy begins one year ahead of the state’s required implementation timeline and reflects the same statewide commitment to creating focused, distraction-free learning environments.
The District 300 policy applies to all personal electronic devices, including, but not limited to:
- Cellphones
- Tablets
- Non-district-issued laptops
- Earbuds and headphones (including AirPods)
- Smartwatches and smart glasses
- Video and audio recording devices
- Similar digital items
Here is how the policy will be implemented by grade level:
Preschool and Elementary School (Pre-K – Grade 5)
- Students may bring personal electronic devices to school, but they may only be used before or after the school day.
- During school hours, all personal electronic devices must be turned off and kept in backpacks.
- Students will not receive a Yondr pouch (lockable case) unless needed to help with phone management.
Middle School and High School (Grades 6 – 12)
- By the end of the day on Tuesday, August 11, all students will be issued one Yondr pouch (a secure, lockable case for storing personal devices), which they will keep and reuse each year while enrolled in District 300.
- Yondr pouches can be locked at any time, and students will have the ability to unlock at various exits throughout the building.
- At the start of the school day (when a morning warning bell sounds):
- - All personal devices must be turned off.
- - All personal electronic devices must be locked inside the Yondr pouch. A single pouch has enough room to hold multiple items at once, including a cellphone, earbuds, and smartwatch.
- When devices may be used:
- - Before the first warning bell
- - After the final class bell
- - For high school only: During the student’s assigned lunch period in the cafeteria only (students may unlock their pouch using the unlocking stations located in the cafeteria; devices must be locked inside the pouch before leaving the cafeteria)
- At the end of the school day:
- - Devices may be unlocked only after the final bell has rung.
- - Unlocking stations will be available near most school exits.
- - Please note: Should a student forget to unlock their pouch before leaving school grounds, they can use an exterior unlocking station near a school exit to unlock their pouch, including on weekends.
Emergency Situations
Student safety remains our top priority. We understand that during a school emergency, a parent’s first instinct is to connect with their child. In emergency situations, such as a lockdown, students will be allowed to use their devices to communicate, but only when it is safe and practical as determined by school administration or law enforcement. Securing the environment and following emergency protocols will always be our staff’s first priority, which may temporarily delay a student's ability to use their cellphone.
Policy Enforcement for All Grades
Beginning on the second day of school, should a student be seen using a personal device without prior approval during instructional or study time, the following steps will be taken:
- Redirect: The student will receive one staff redirect to put the item in their backpack (K-5) or a Yondr pouch (6-12).
- Confiscation: If the student refuses, an administrator will be called, and the device will be confiscated and stored securely.
- Parent notification: The parent/guardian will be called and must retrieve the device from the school office. The device will remain in the office until it is retrieved by a parent/guardian during regular building hours.
- Instances of insubordination will follow established district discipline policies.
Staying Connected
If a parent or guardian needs to reach their child during the school day, please contact the student’s main school office.
Link to PDF with main office phone numbers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_tXP1F-BO42bFiFVV0Ei1YmRRl3bYrUx/view
Thank you for your continued partnership in creating a present, positive, and focused environment for every student.
