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Electronic Devices

Effective for the 2026-2027 school year, Governor Mifflin School District will implement and consistently enforce a phone-free instructional school day in accordance with GMSD School Board Policy 237 – Electronic Devices. 

Under these procedures, students must keep all personal electronic devices/wearable devices (phones, earbuds, smartglasses, over-ear headphones, smartwatches, handheld video games, tablets, etc.) powered off or silenced and securely stored in their backpacks throughout the entire school day. Backpacks will remain with the student throughout the day and be kept in a designated location within each classroom as determined by the teacher. Devices may not be kept in pockets, purses, or directly on the student’s person. Students may use wired headphones or wired earbuds which connect to the student’s school-issued device, such as a Chromebook, for educational purposes only.

If a student requires access to a personal electronic device for a medical need, please contact your building principal to discuss the need and determine appropriate accommodations.

These procedures are in effect for duration of the school day from building entry until dismissal, including study halls, lunch, travel between classes (including travel between buildings for students in grades 7-12). 

If a parent or guardian needs to get in contact with their child during the school day, the parent/guardian may call the main office of their child’s building. Our office staff will ensure the message is delivered to the student in an appropriate and timely manner.

School districts that have implemented all-day phone-free procedures have experienced significant positive outcomes, including increased student focus, attention, comprehension, classroom engagement, academic integrity, and overall academic performance.  Educators have also reported stronger face-to-face peer interactions, reduced cyberbullying, fewer student conflicts, and less social media-related turmoil, while students have experienced lower levels of stress and anxiety.  These outcomes reinforce our commitment to creating a learning environment where every student can fully engage in instruction and build meaningful relationships with peers and staff. 

For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) regarding these procedures as well as research on the impact of phone-free policies in educational settings, please check the appendix of this handbook or click the links.

The consequences for violation of the Electronic Device Procedures will be as follows:

  • First Offense: A warning will be issued to the student and documented in Skyward. The student will be permitted to keep the device(s) in their backpack.
  • Second Offense: The student’s electronic device(s) and any related items will be confiscated and held in the main office until the end of the school day. The student must pick up the confiscated items prior to leaving school for the day. The action will be documented in Skyward and the child’s parent/guardian will be contacted by their teacher.
  • Third Offense and Any Subsequent Offenses: The student’s electronic device(s) and any related items will be confiscated and held in the main office. The action will be documented in Skyward and the child’s parent/guardian will be contacted. The parent/guardian must pick up the student’s device(s) during normal business hours. Students in grades K-6 will receive lunch detention. Students in grades 7-12 will receive one day detention.
  • Chronic and subsequent offenses will also result in a parent meeting.

Refusal to cooperate with these procedures and directives from teachers or administrators will be considered insubordination and may result in additional disciplinary measures as outlined in the Code of Conduct.