Cell Phone Ban
Renwick USD 267 Cell Phone Ban:
The district’s new cell phone policy will go into effect at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
More information, including specific building-level procedures and any up dates to this policy, will be shared over the summer and prior to the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Please continue to check this FAQ site, your email, and ParentSquare for updates from the district.
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Why?
In spring 2026, Kansas legislators passed a law, and every Kansas school district is now required to ban student access to and use of cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices from “bell to bell.”
What is considered a “personal electronic communication device” under the 2026 Kansas law?
This term is defined in the law to include any wireless electronic communication device that provides for voice, text or video communication between two or more parties. This includes a mobile or cellular phone, tablet, computer, watch, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging device or personal digital assistant, among others. The law does not restrict devices that students receive from the school district, such as the Chromebooks used in our schools.
Can students have their phones with them at school if they do not use them?
Students are not allowed to use or access personal electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, earbuds, etc.) during the school day on school property. Devices must be powered off and stored away in an inaccessible location unless a specific exception applies. Students are encouraged to leave devices at home or in their vehicles, and the school is not responsible for lost or damaged devices.
How do parents and students reach each other during the school day?
Parents are encouraged to call or email their child's school office, where staff will be happy to assist. In urgent situations, messages may be delivered directly to students, or the student may be called to the office to use a phone. Otherwise, students will be notified of a message to pick up in the office between class periods or after school. Students who need to reach a parent, sibling, or caregiver should inform their teacher or stop by the office during a passing period or lunch to place a call or request help getting a message through.What if my student needs their phone in an emergency?
The law that was passed in Topeka does not provide an exception for emergencies. Rest assured, in an urgent situation or safety concern on campus, information will be sent through ParentSquare to all parents, guardians, caregivers and other emergency contacts provided during registration/enrollment.