Phones banned bell to bell; Valley students lock phones away

What happened

The board adopted policy JICJ on July 14, 2026. Students in pre-K through grade 12 may not use or carry cell phones, smart watches or other connected devices from the first bell to dismissal. Before, phones only had to be off during class. At Valley, each student gets a phone locker by the main entrance.

Why it matters to families

This changes every student's school day. Students can no longer use phones in the office except in emergencies; families must call the school office to reach a child.

The evidence

Policy JICJ, revised July 14, 2026, states the ban, exceptions (health plans, IEPs, 504 plans, language help, emergencies) and consequences (warning, confiscation for the day, parent meeting or discipline). July 14 minutes record the second-reading vote; the 2026-27 Valley handbook describes the lockers.

The source