District news

Handbooks: no personal phones in grades K-8 or in high school classes

Newton Public Schools · By Ben Guzovsky · Published Oct 25, 2026, 7:02 PM UTC · Board record: Sep 28, 2026

Day-to-day

Excerpt from Newton School Committee Meeting, September 28, 2026 — Memo to SC_ Secondary Handbooks, Rights and Responsibilities HB (Sept 2026) (1).pdf for Handbooks: no personal phones in grades K-8 or in… — Official source excerpt: Newton School Committee Meeting, September 28, 2026 — Memo to SC_ Secondary Handbooks, Rights and Responsibilities HB (Sept 2026) (1).pdf; editorial caption by Our School Board · source-evidence

What happened

The 2026-27 handbooks say personal electronic devices are strictly prohibited in grades K-8. In grades 9-12 they are banned during class time, including WIN blocks, advisories and study halls, unless a documented accommodation applies; violations mean confiscation and possible discipline.

Why it matters to families

Middle schools use locked Yondr pouches, and high school teachers can take phones and refer students to deans. The committee approved the handbooks 9-0 on Sept 28 and may update rules if a state bell-to-bell ban passes.

The evidence

The Sept 28 handbook memo lists the device rules; Sept 28 minutes record the 9-0 approval and describe Yondr pouches and high school confiscation.

The source

Memo: Secondary Handbooks and Rights & Responsibilities Handbook (Sept 2026)

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