NEW LONDON, WI- Students in the New London School District will see updated rules regarding cell phone use this school year following a statewide requirement under Wisconsin’s Act 42.
District Administrator Scott Bleck says every public school district in Wisconsin was required to formally adopt a wireless communication device policy by July 1.
“This was a statewide decision thanks to Act 42,” Bleck said. “All school districts around the state of Wisconsin, by July 1, had to adopt a policy if they did not have one formally acknowledged.”
Bleck says the district wasn’t starting from scratch. Existing student handbook guidelines on cell phone use provided a strong foundation as officials updated the policy to comply with the new state law.
While the policy generally limits wireless device use during the school day, Bleck says there are important exceptions. Students may use devices if the accommodation is included in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 Plan. Teachers may also allow devices when they are needed for instructional purposes.
“We’ll honor authorized requests for wireless device usage while maintaining our focus on creating a classroom environment where students can stay engaged and succeed academically,” Bleck said.
The updated policy is designed to reduce classroom distractions while ensuring students who need access to wireless devices for educational or medical reasons can continue to use them appropriately.
Comments from District Administrator Scott Bleck
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