Background
On July 9, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33, directing the Virginia Department of Education to develop guidance for local school divisions to establish cell phone-free educational environments and implement cell phone-free policies. The resulting environment will protect instructional time and students’ mental well-being
Resources
The Policy
WJCC Schools’ Policy JFC governs student conduct, including the use of personal electronic devices. Our expectation, in accordance with Executive Order 33, will be that students’ personal electronic devices shall be off and away during the day.
WJCC Schools is committed to returning students’ focus during the school day to learning and mitigating the harms of constant access to social media. Violations of WJCC Schools’ policy will be handled in accordance with the student Code of Conduct.
Students’ cell phones and personal electronic devices shall be off and away during the day at WJCC Schools.
academics
Unlock your academic potential by staying present and engaged in class. Without devices, it’s easier to absorb information, participate in discussions, and excel in your studies.
mental health
Taking a break from screens can significantly boost your mental well-being. Experience reduced stress and anxiety as you engage more fully with the world around you.
relationships
Strengthen connections with friends and family by being present in every interaction. Real conversations and shared experiences create lasting bonds.
personal growth
Focus on personal development by exploring new hobbies and interests. Unplugging allows you to discover passions and skills that can shape your future.
athletics
Enhance your athletic performance by staying focused during practice and games. Without devices, you’ll improve your skills, teamwork, and overall fitness.
creativity
Let your creativity soar without device distractions. Engage in hands-on projects and innovative thinking to unlock new possibilities and achieve your creative goals.
Supporting Students
If a student uses their personal electronic device during school, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted. Repeated device use during school may result in additional parent/guardian notice, parent/guardian in-person meeting with administration, confiscation of the device, required parent retrieval of the confiscated device, and/or loss of privilege of bringing the device to school. Working together – students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community – we will see the positive impact of returning students’ primary school day focus to learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students’ personal electronic devices shall be off and away during the day at WJCC Schools.
Students average 237 notifications on their personal devices each day, with some students reporting up to 4,500 daily notifications on their device. More than three hours of daily social media access doubles the risk of poor mental health, including experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Limiting constant interruptions and daytime access to social media will boost students’ ability to focus and be present with their peers and teachers in the instructional environment, and may lead to stronger academic achievement and better well-being.
If a student uses their personal electronic device during school, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted. Repeated device use during school may result in additional parent/guardian notice, parent/guardian in-person meeting with administration, confiscation of the device, required parent retrieval of the confiscated device, and/or loss of privilege of bringing the device to school.
Yes, students will have access to their personal electronic devices on the school bus to and from school.
Students’ personal electronic devices shall remain off and away during the day but will remain in the student’s possession (ex. backpack).
If a student needs to access their personal device during the school day for a medical reason, the process will be managed through the school nurse. Please complete the Medical Exemption Request/Solicitud de exención médica form.
