Upshur County Schools will post a draft policy on June 11, 2025, outlining new rules for personal electronic devices, including cell phones, which must be stored during the instructional day.
The policy will take effect on August 11, 2025, for staff and on August 15, 2025, for students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12. Officials said it is being considered under the authority of WV Code 18-2-46 passed during the 2025 legislative session.
Definitions
- Personal electronic device — Any portable device capable of wireless communication or computing, including but not limited to cellular telephones, tablets, laptops, smart watches and portable gaming systems not provided by a county board of education
- Classroom setting — An environment where instruction or activities related to the school curriculum are occurring, including general classrooms, gymnasiums, common areas or any other area where instruction may occur
- Instructional day — The period from the start of the first instructional period to the end of the last instructional period, including transitions between classes
Storage Guidelines
- Elementary schools — Devices will be stored in a container or assigned pocket chart of the classroom teacher
- Middle school — Devices will be stored in the student’s assigned locker
- High school — Devices will be stored in a container or assigned pocket chart of each classroom teacher each period
Consequences for Violations (Elementary Example)
- First offense — The device will be confiscated and returned to the parent or guardian following a conference with the student and parent
- Second offense — The device will be confiscated and returned to the parent or guardian and the student will be assigned to detention
- Third offense — The device will be confiscated and returned to the parent or guardian and the student will be suspended from school for one day
District officials will accept public comment on the draft policy beginning June 11, 2025.
