Students in Wichita Public Schools will be expected to go into the new academic year without their cell phones, earbuds, tablets, laptops and other personal electronic devices in hand or readily available, according to a new district policy.
The school board adopted a policy Monday night on the use of personal devices by students in compliance with state legislation, enacting a “bell-to-bell” ban for K-12 students. From the start of the school day to the final bell, cell phones, tablets, computers, earbuds, smartwatches and other electronic wireless devices will be out of sight and, board members said, hopefully out of the minds of students who are too dependent upon them during class.
“It’s not just about complying with the law: It’s about addressing the addiction components,” Chief of Schools Loren Hatfield said. “It’s about creating safer, more engaging learning environments.”…