Phones go into locking pouches in grades 6-12 from August 2026

What happened

On June 4, 2026 the School Committee voted 5-0 to adopt a revised cell phone and personal electronic device policy, JIJC, replacing the version adopted in August 2024. Presenting the first read on May 21, the superintendent explained that a 2025 state law requires every district to restrict student access to personal devices during the school day from August 1, 2026, and that Smithfield will use locking pouches for every student in grades 6 through 12, paid for by a grant from the Town of Smithfield. Administrators visited Durfee High School in Fall River to see how that district runs the same system.

Why it matters to families

Every middle and high school student will hand over the school day differently: the phone goes in a pouch at the start of the day rather than staying in a pocket.

The evidence

The June 4, 2026 approved minutes record the second read and 5-0 vote adopting policy JIJC; the May 21, 2026 minutes record the superintendent's presentation on the state law effective August 1, 2026, the use of locking pouches for all students in grades 6-12 and the town grant paying for them.

The source