06/23/2026
PLEASE READ! Important changes for students coming for the 26-27 school year:
Recently, the State of Maine enacted a new law mandating a "Bell to Bell" BAN on CELL PHONES and personal electronic devices in all public high schools. The intent of this state mandate is to reduce digital distractions, improve student mental health, and maximize instructional time.
Because we want our families to be fully prepared, we are sharing our implementation policy during the summer break.
What "Bell to Bell" Means at DRHS: Beginning on the first day of the 2026–2027 school year, cell phones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and other personal electronic devices must be turned off and put away for the entire duration of the school day (from the morning arrival bell to the afternoon dismissal bell).
Please note the following key details of our policy:
• Includes Breaks and Lunches: Unlike previous years, students will not be permitted to use their phones during passing periods, morning breaks, or lunch segments. The ban covers the entire school day.
• Individual Ownership and Accountability: Our district does not have the funding to purchase lockable signal-blocking bags for every student. Therefore, the responsibility will be placed squarely on each individual student to keep their devices out of sight in their backpacks or lockers.
More school policy violation information will come with the August 1st summer letters, but we wanted to let students and parents start these conversations and prepare for the coming school year.
