As we start to look toward 2nd semester, Ridgetop is going Off and Away For the Day! Read below for more information. Thank you. 

What is our current policy?

Students are expected to have their cell phones and other electronics (headphones, earbuds, etc.) off and in their backpacks when they are in class throughout the day. 

What is going to change in the new policy?

We are now going to expect students to have their cell phones and other electronic devices, including Chromebooks, off and in their backpacks from the start of the day (when students arrive to school) till the end of the school day at 2:05pm. This also includes lunch time as well as passing time. The exception would be when a student needs their Chromebook during class time. 

**In both our current policy and our updated policy, our expectation is that students should not have their devices “on” them. Meaning that they shouldn’t have their phone or any other electronic device in their pockets. It should be off and in their backpack. 

Why are we changing the policy?

We understand that for some families, cell phones feel closely tied to safety, communication, and peace of mind. We know cell phones are part of family life. We respect that. We also want to create the healthiest possible learning environment for our students to be successful. Schools across our district, state, and country are making similar shifts and seeing positive impacts on student focus, relationships, and well-being. Our goal is not to take something away, it’s to give students more of what they need.

Middle school is a unique stage of development. Students are still learning how to manage attention, emotions, friendships, and stress. Constant access to devices during the school day often makes those challenges harder.

By limiting the use of devices during the school day, we are intentionally giving students the opportunity to:

• Keep focus on learning during the school day

• Build real, face-to-face relationships

• Experience less social pressure and anxiety

• Practice self-regulation and healthy boundaries

When are we starting this new policy?

This will start on the first day of the 2nd semester, which is on 2/2/26.

What will happen if a student doesn’t follow the new policy?

Our goal with consequences is to teach responsibility and support students in meeting expectations. Right now, if a student doesn’t follow the rule while they are in class, they are sent to the office to turn in their phone for the rest of the day. It is recorded into a log book and then locked up in a safe place.

As we start this new policy, we are also going to refine the process for when a student doesn’t follow the new expectations. For offenses 1 - 4, parents will be notified by email if their student has to turn in their phone. For offenses 5+, an administrator will reach out to the parent. 

• 1st Offense: Student will bring the cell phone and/or other electronic device to the office and will be able to get it back at the end of the school day. 

• 2nd Offense: Student will bring the cell phone and/or other electronic device to the office and will be able to get it back at the end of the school day. 

• 3rd Offense: Student will bring the cell phone and/or other electronic device to the office and will be able to get it back at the end of the school day AND will have to turn it in the following morning when they get to school and will be able to get it back at the end of the school day. 

• 4th Offense: Student will bring the cell phone and/or other electronic device to the office and will be able to get it back at the end of the school day AND will have to turn it in for the next 2 days after that. 

• 5th Offense and more: Student will bring the cell phone and/or other electronic device to the office AND parent will be notified to come and pick up the device(s) or another alternate plan will be created to support the student in meeting the expectation. 

When we start this new policy on 2/2/26, we are going to give students a one week grace period from the above consequences to give them the opportunity to get adjusted. During this week, they will receive warnings if they are seen not complying with the new policy. The exception would be if they have their device out in the classroom, as that is already an expectation we have had for them all school year. 

What if I need to get a hold of my student during the school day?

If a parent needs to get a hold of a student at any time during the school day, they can call the front office at (360)662-2900. We can usually get a student a message or call them up to the office to call you back in an efficient manner. In urgent situations, our office prioritizes getting messages to students as quickly as possible.

In the coming days, we will be sending out more information about a variety of things we are doing to get ready for this that you can be a part of too. We appreciate your partnership and trust as we work together to support students during this important stage of their development. We believe that this change will continue to support our students in Learning, Leading, and Growing as part of the Ridgetop Family!