January 7, 2025
Dear Prince George Families,
As we prepare to welcome students back to class tomorrow, we want to remind you of our student cell phone use policy that is now in effect.
As we shared throughout the end of 2024, the Prince George County School Board adopted our personal communications device policy, which was created in line with the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) final guidance regarding student cell phone use in school settings following Governor Glenn Youngkin's Executive Order 33. This policy states students are prohibited from using personal communication devices, including cell phones, during instructional time or in instructional settings, which comprises places such as a classroom, auditorium, gymnasium, and any location where a school staff member is providing instruction or related activities.
- Elementary school students are prohibited from using personal technology during the day.
- Middle and high school students must keep their devices silent and not visible and store them in their backpacks or another phone storage location away from students during the school day, from the first bell of the day to the last bell of the day, including during lunch and transition time between classes. These students may be able to use their devices before or after the school day concludes as permitted by the school's administrators.
We encourage you to review the policy and our frequently asked questions regarding this new policy.
- CLICK TO VIEW: JFCM Policy - Personal Communications Devices
- CLICK TO VIEW: Student Cell Phone & Device Use Frequently Asked Questions
As a reminder, pathways are available for families of students who may need personal technology as part of their child's documented Section 504 plans, Individualized Education Plans (IEP), and individualized healthcare plans, and our schools will continue to share information directly with families via our communications channels, including telephone calls, emails, and our digital platforms. Finally, students will not be disciplined for calling for assistance in an emergency using their phones.
Sincerely,
Dr. Wayne Lyle
Superintendent
Prince George County Public Schools