Week of January 11th Reminders

Following are a few key points in the policy that will be in effect immediately for all DPS students when they return from winter break on January 5, 2026:

• Middle and high school students will now be required to power down and put away their personal devices during class time, other instructional time, and as directed by school staff.

• The term “put away” means the device must be out of sight and not easily accessible. This means that students must place their powered down devices in book bags, purses, or pockets.

• Personal device usage that is required for assistive communication, translation, or a safety plan will be authorized in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP) or Individual Health Plans (IHP).

• School staff may authorize personal device usage as they deem appropriate for reasonable and legitimate purposes, such as allowing a student to communicate with someone outside of school. Students must request permission to do so from their teacher or other authorized staff.

Consequences for violating the new policy

Students who violate the new personal device policy will face consequences, including confiscation of the device, if deemed necessary by authorized school staff. Typically, the first violation will come with a simple verbal warning, in which the student will be instructed to power down and put away their device.

If a student ignores the verbal warning, the teacher or authorized staff member may then temporarily confiscate the device until the end of the school day. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified if this action is taken.

The new policy allows for immediate confiscation of a student’s personal device without a verbal warning if the student’s use of the device is causing a significant disturbance in class or at a school event, or if the student already has violated the policy more than once, and parents/guardians have been notified that this is a repeat occurrence and that immediate confiscation may be employed.

Questions and concerns

We know that students and families will have specific questions about the new cell phone and personal device policy. We have prepared this list of FAQs to help answer any questions or concerns you might have about our expectations for students, along with consequences for violating the new policy.

DPS values the protection of classroom time, and we appreciate cooperation among students and families in following the new personal device policy. In addition to reviewing the policy and the FAQs we have provided, please contact your school if you have any questions or concerns.

• First semester end-of-course exams and CTE exams are Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 16. Please review first semester final exam information.
• The January School Improvement Team will meet virtually on Monday, January 12, at 4:45 p.m.
• The AVID application closes on Thursday, January 15, at 11:59 p.m.
• Quarter 2 ends on January 16.
• School is closed on Monday, January 19 (holiday), and Tuesday, January 20 (teacher workday).
• Direct instruction ACT prep sessions (juniors only) take place on January 26, January 28, January 30, February 2, and February 6.
• Wednesday, February 4, is an Early Release Day. Jordan will operate on the Early Release-Activity Period Bell Schedule on February 4.
• The Quarter 2 Honor Roll celebration will be held on February 5, during all three lunches.
• Student Services is hosting a Virtual Course Selection Night for current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors on February 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Click here for the registration link.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college and career readiness program that helps students build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in rigorous classes and prepare for four-year university admission.

Who Should Apply?
Motivated 9th or 10th grade students with at least a 2.5 weighted GPA are encouraged to apply. Students who are first-generation college-bound are strongly encouraged (but not required). Ideal candidates are ready to take on challenging courses (Honors/AP) with support from AVID peers, teachers, and tutors.

AVID Application Link: https://forms.gle/TGK1t4r62KpMynhYA

Follow AVID on Instagram: @cejordan_avid

Please reach out to Dr. Jose Cardoza, assistant principal, at jose_cardoza@dpsnc.net with any questions.