Dear Parents and Guardians,

We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another great year at Lewis and Clark School District! As we begin the new school year, we want to share an important update about our bell-to-bell phone-free and device-use policy, which takes effect districtwide on the first day of school.

What’s New?

In accordance with North Dakota law and district policy, all personal electronic devices - cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, earbuds, etc.… - must be turned off and stored securely from the first bell to dismissal.

All students have the option to leave their devices at home. If they bring them to school:
- Grades 7-12: Devices must be stored in school-provided cell phone lockers.
- Grades K-6: Devices must be stored in regular lockers or backpacks during the school day.

In all cases, devices must remain off and inaccessible during instructional time.

Additionally, personal laptops or tablets may not be used at school. All schoolwork must be completed on district-issued devices only.

Even for dual credit students, phones will not be needed. The program now sends notifications directly to student email accounts.

Why This Policy Matters

This policy is designed to help students succeed and thrive. Our goals include:
- Reducing distractions
- Supporting student mental health and well-being
- Preserving instructional time
- Encouraging positive, face-to-face social connections

What Happens if Students Don’t Follow the Rules?

Offense | Consequence

1^st             Phone to office; student pickup; parents notified.
2^nd           Phone to office; parent pickup required.
3^rd            1 day In-School Suspension (ISS); parent meeting.
4^th            3 days ISS; parent meeting.
5^th            2 days Out-of-School Suspension (OSS); parent meeting.

We’re here to support you and your student through this transition. If you have questions, please contact your school’s office. Thank you for being our partner in creating a focused and healthy learning environment!

Lewis and Clark Administration

FAQ: Bell-to-Bell Phone-Free & Device Policy

What is the bell-to-bell phone-free policy?
It’s a state-required and district-enforced rule that prohibits the use of all personal electronic devices during the entire school day - from the first bell to dismissal.

What devices are included?
The policy covers:
- Cell phones
- Smartwatches
- Tablets
- Personal laptops and computers
- Bluetooth devices (earbuds and similar devices)

Where do students store their devices?All students have the option to leave their devices at home. If they bring them to school:
- Grades 7-12: Devices must be stored in school-provided cell phone lockers.
- Grades K-6: Devices must be stored in their regular lockers or backpacks.

All devices must be turned off and inaccessible during the school day.

Can students use personal laptops at school?
No. All schoolwork at school must be completed on their district-issued devices only.

What about students in dual credit courses?
Phones are not needed. Notifications are now sent directly to students’ email addresses.

Why is this policy being implemented?
To help students succeed by:
- Reducing classroom distractions
- Supporting student mental health and well-being
- Preserving instructional time
- Encouraging positive, in-person interactions

What are the consequences for violating the policy?

Offense | Consequence

1^st             Phone to office; student pickup; parents notified
2^nd           Phone to office; parent pickup required
3^rd            1 day ISS; parent meeting
4^th            3 days ISS; parent meeting
5^th            2 days OSS; parent meeting

How can I contact my student during the day?
Call the school office - we’ll make sure your student receives your message.

Lewis and Clark Public School District #161

Insights

Bell-to-Bell Phone-Free & Device Policy