Dear Tiger families,

As you may know, Oklahoma legislators recently passed a new law that will prohibit students across the state from using their cell phones and other personal electronic devices while on campus during the school day next school year. As required by the law, our Board of Education recently approved a policy regarding local guidelines for this new mandate. The policy can be read here. 

Ultimately, the purpose of this effort is to protect instructional time and to help students learn better by minimizing distractions during the school day. We understand it will be a big change and will require flexibility and patience from everyone involved. By communicating about the law early this summer, we hope it will allow students, parents and staff the opportunity to have their questions answered and to be ready to implement the policy when school begins on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. 

While detailed building level implementation information will be available by late July, here are the facts that I can share with you now:

• The law requires that schools to be free of personal device use from “bell to bell.” This includes the length of our school day – 8:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
• The law applies to personal cell phones and other personal electronic devices, including – but not limited to – smart watches, smart glasses, laptops, tablets and smart headphones. It does not apply to school-issued or school-approved devices.
• Students who violate board policy may face disciplinary consequences.
• There are exceptions to the law, including the use of a device:
  1. During an emergency, such as a natural disaster or school safety/security issue.
  2. When a student needs the device for a health need, like checking blood sugar.
  3. If the device is listed as necessary in a student’s IEP or 504 plan.
  4. If the device is approved by the district for instructional purposes.

Please watch for detailed information later this summer about this new policy. Although it will be an adjustment, we believe the change will have a positive impact on our schools and our students – and we’ll be here to support you through the transition. 

Thank you for working with us to create the best possible learning environment for students. We appreciate your support.