Happy New Year Davis County!
A message from Mrs. Christiansen
Welcome to a new school year!
Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
It is with great excitement and gratitude that I welcome you to a brand-new school year in Davis County! Everyone has been so kind and welcoming, and I already feel fortunate to be a part of this wonderful community.
I have been fortunate to serve as a public educator for 27 years—17 years in the classroom, 7 years as an elementary principal, and now beginning my third year as a superintendent. My family and I are thrilled to be back in Iowa, and we look forward to building connections and becoming an active part of the community. We enjoy hunting, fishing, baseball, and spending time with family and friends!
Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet several community members who have shared thoughtful ideas and hopes for the future of our schools. I am looking forward to spending time in our buildings to get to know our students, staff, and families even better.
As your superintendent, my door is always open. I am here to support you, listen, and work together to create a culture of collaboration where everyone feels valued and empowered. By working side by side, we can ensure that our students have the best opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Thank you again for the warm welcome. I look forward to working with you in service of our students.
With appreciation,
Megan Christiansen
Superintendent
Davis County Community School District
Cell: (641) 895-6115
Email: megan.christiansen@dcmustangs.com
Policy 503.10
Policy 503.10: Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Status: ADOPTED
Original Adopted Date: 06/16/2025 | Last Reviewed Date: 07/21/2025
1. Purpose and Scope
To promote focused learning and create a supportive educational environment, students are asked to keep personal electronic devices—including smartphones, mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, and gaming devices—turned off and stored away during school hours. This includes all areas on campus, such as classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and lunch areas. This approach aligns with House File 782 while encouraging students to be fully engaged in their school experience.
2. Definitions
Personal Electronic Device (PED): Any device used to communicate, record, capture images, play media, or access the internet.
School Hours: The time including, but not limited to class periods, passing times, lunch, study halls.
Exemptions:
-Medically necessary devices, documented and approved by school administration.
-Emergency use directed by staff or during an approved safety plan.
-Devices required by a documented Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
3. Policy Details
No PEDs permitted during the school day. Devices must be powered off and stored in lockers, backpacks, or other designated storage areas. PEDs may not be used during passing periods, lunch, study halls, or any part of the school day. School-issued devices (e.g., Chromebooks) may be used under staff supervision as part of the instructional program.
4. Communication with Parents/Guardians
Parents/guardians who need to contact their child during the school day must do so through the main office. Students may request office staff assistance to contact parents in emergencies.
5. Accommodations and Petitions
Parents or guardians who believe their child has a legitimate, documented medical or mental health need requiring the use of a personal electronic device during the school day may formally petition the school administration. Such petitions must include comprehensive supporting documentation, such as medical records, evaluations, or other relevant paperwork, clearly outlining the necessity of the device during instructional time. Approval of petitions is not guaranteed and will be granted only in exceptional circumstances where the need is clearly demonstrated and cannot be addressed through alternative means. All petitions will undergo thorough administrative review in consultation with relevant district staff to ensure compliance with House File 782 and district policies.
6. Violations and Consequences
First Violation: Device confiscated and returned at the end of the day.
Second Violation: Device confiscated and returned only to parent/guardian.
Third Violation: The student will be placed on a personal electronic device plan, which will require turning in their personal device to the office at the beginning of each school day.
If a student who is found in violation of this policy and refuses to hand over the device may be assigned in school or out-of-school suspension, a personal electronic device plan, and/or recommendation to the Board for expulsion.
Testing Violations: Unauthorized device use during assessments may result in test invalidation or additional academic penalties.
Board Policy Manual
Davis County Community School District
7. Enforcement and Training
School staff will consistently enforce this policy in accordance with state law (House File 782) and district guidelines. This policy is now required by state legislation, and the district is fully committed to abiding by this mandate.
Students and parents will receive annual reminders to ensure understanding of the policy’s requirements and the consequences for noncompliance.
8. Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually for compliance with state law and district needs.
The district may adjust this policy at any time in response to new guidance from the Iowa Department of Education or legislative changes.
The Anxious Generation by Haidt
🧠 The Anxious Generation — What Parents Should Know
📱 Four Harms of Excessive Screen Use
Social Deprivation – less face-to-face time with others
Sleep Deprivation – disrupted sleep from late-night scrolling
Attention Fragmentation – harder to focus and learn
Addiction – apps designed to keep kids hooked
🔒 A Safety Paradox
Overprotected in real life (less independence)
Underprotected online (more exposure to risks)
✅ What We Can Do Together
Delay smartphones & social media (aim for high school age)
Phone-free school days for better focus & connection
Encourage play & independence (outside, chores, part-time jobs)
Set family norms (screen-free dinners, device limits at night)
Work as a community so kids know “everyone’s doing it”
👨👩👧 Together, families and schools can help kids thrive in healthier, more connected ways.
I have copies of this book in my office if you would like to check it out!