On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Missouri’s Governor signed Senate Bill 68 into law. This new law prohibits student cell phone use during the school day - from the first bell to the last bell.
While we have always had expectations around cell phone use during the school day, this new law brings more clarity and consistency to those guidelines.
We recognize that personal devices are a regular part of many students’ daily lives. This transition may feel like a big shift - especially for older students. At the same time, we believe this change is an opportunity for students to build healthy habits, be more present, and reduce the distractions that often pull them away from learning and meaningful connections. We are hopeful this also helps prepare them to be better and more present in the workforce as well.
We understand that some families may worry about students not having immediate access to personal phones during the school day - especially in emergencies. Please know: student safety always remains our highest priority. Our school has emergency procedures and communication systems to ensure students and families can be contacted quickly if needed. Staff are trained to guide and supervise students in all situations. In the event of any crisis, ensuring student safety will always come before enforcing device expectations and our policy ensures that devices can be used in time of emergencies.
We appreciate your support and patience during this transition. Your partnership is key to making this change smooth and successful for everyone involved.
Below is the actual policy you will find in our updated Handbooks. Mrs. Musick will go over this with grades 6-12 on the first day during an assembly. Elementary teachers will go over these expectations with with their classroom students.
St. Elizabeth R-IV Cell Phone/Personal Communication Policy
On July 9, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law Senate Bill 68. One provision of this law requires all public and public charter school districts in Missouri must adopt a written policy on student use of electronic personal communication devices, including but not limited to, mobile phones, personal tablets, smartwatches, personal laptops, handheld gaming devices, meta/AI glasses, and earbuds/headphones connected to these devices. This is not a district decision. This is a statewide mandate for all public and charter schools.
Mandatory Provisions
Starting now and continuing from the beginning to the end of each school day, policies must at minimum:
Ban use or display of these devices during instructional time, lunch periods, breaks, in-between classes, field trips, and study halls
Require notification of disciplinary procedures for violations
Display or use of an electronic personal communications device shall be permitted if required under:
An Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A Section 504 Plan
An Individualized Emergency Health Care Plan or Individualized Health Care Plan (under §167.625 RSMo)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 for English language learners
Active members of the volunteer fire department as assigned by the Fire Chief of St. Elizabeth.
Use of electronic devices are also allowed under the following conditions:
In case of an emergency, a serious, unexpected, and dangerous situation that requires immediate action. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: an active fire, active tornado or earthquake, active shooter, evacuation of school grounds, a medical emergency, or any other serious, unexpected, and dangerous situation that requires immediate action.
Restricted Times
Students are prohibited from displaying or using electronic personal communications device
from arrival at the building (8:00 am) until the end of the school day (3:03 pm). Students should keep devices stored away and turned off or on silent in their backpacks during school hours.
Consequences
Students who choose to violate this new statewide policy will be subject to the following discipline procedures.
1st Offense (of current school year)
2nd Offense (of current school year)
3rd Offense (of current school year)
Confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day, parent/guardian notification, and the parent/guardian must pick up the device from the school office
1 Day In-School Suspension
4th Offense (of current school year)
Confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day, parent/guardian notification, and the parent/guardian must pick up the device from the school office
3 days In-School Suspension
5th Offense (of current school year)
Confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day, parent/guardian notification, and the parent/guardian must pick up the device from the school office
1 Day Out of School Suspension
6th Offense and Subsequent Offenses (of current school year)
Confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day, parent/guardian notification, and the parent/guardian must pick up the device from the school office
An additional day of OSS has been added for each day
NOTE - Students who refuse to turn in their phone on request from teaching staff or administration may face consequences for insubordination as defined in the discipline policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What counts as a “device”?
This includes (but is not limited to):
Cell phones, smart watches, earbuds/AirPods, music players, cameras, video game devices, tablets, and laptops.
2) When are devices NOT allowed?
Devices may not be used during:
- Instructional time
- Meal times
- Breaks
- Passing periods
- Study halls
3) Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Devices may be used:
– When required by a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan
--An Individualized Emergency Health Care Plan or Individualized Health Care Plan
. (Please contact your student’s case manager or principal if applicable.)
– The device is used in an emergency situation as defined by district protocols.
--Active members of the volunteer fire department as assigned by the Fire Chief of St. Elizabeth. (These students will only be able to check their phone if it goes off to see if it is a fire call)
4) How can I contact my student during the school day?
If you need to get in touch with your student during school hours, please call the school’s main office. Our staff will gladly relay a message or help connect you as needed.
5) How will coaches and sponsors share updates or changes to practice and meeting schedules?
Coaches and sponsors will continue to use the GroupME app for communication. Coaches will also get in touch with secretary and administration if an announcement needs to be made.
If you have further questions about this new policy, please reach out to Mr. Kempker and/or Mrs. Musick. We will be happy to answer your questions.
