Chief Sealth International High School

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Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Chief Sealth International Student Cellphone Use Expectations

Away for the Day

The cellphone policy, “Away for the Day,” has been in effect at Chief Sealth International High School for two school years. After receiving feedback from all stakeholders: staff, families, and students, the administration, Instructional Council, and Building Leadership Team analyzed the feedback to update Sealth’s “Away for the Day” Cellphone Policy.

Away for the Day 2025-26 Revision:

  • Before the school year, the admin team will send information about the negative effects of cellphone use and the new Sealth policy in the 9/1 family newsletter.
  • The admin team will make daily announcements over the PA for the first 8 school days, reminding students that we are a cellphone free school during class time.
  • Lock boxes will be provided for each classroom; teachers will collect student phones in the lock boxes at the beginning of every period.
  • Classroom certified educators will communicate this policy in their sub plans.
  • Educators will establish meaningful relationships with students to ensure efficacy and prevent teacher burnout
  • All educators must communicate and enforce this policy within their learning environments.

Interventions

Tier 1:

  • All students are expected to put their cellphones in the classroom’s lockbox.
  • If a student does not initially put their phone in the lockbox, and they take it out, the educator will ask the student to put the phone in the lockbox. If the student refuses, proceed to Tier 2.

Tier 2:

  • The educator will contact home; two-way communication must be established.
  • The educator will talk to the student in the hallway about their cellphone being in the lockbox.
  • The educator may lead a classroom circle regarding cellphone usage during instructional time.
  • Student must complete cellphone reflection and contract with the educator.
  • If the issue persists after multiple Tier 2 interventions or the contract is broken, move on to Tier 3.

Tier 3:

  • Educator will mail Sealth Admin and Ja’Lyn Combs.
  • They will discuss the case and determine additional interventions.

Supporting Focused Learning: New Districtwide Student Cellphone Procedure Begins May 4

Beginning Monday, May 4, Seattle Public Schools will implement a districtwide student cellphone use procedure across all schools.

We want to share why this change is being made and how it supports students.

What to Expect

The procedure reflects students’ developmental needs:

  • Grades K–8: Phones will be “Away for the Day”, not accessible during school hours. 
  • Grades 9–12: Phones will be “No Cell Bell to Bell”. Phones will be kept away during class, with limited access during lunch and passing periods.

This approach protects learning time while helping older students build responsible device habits.

School leaders will retain flexibility in storage routines and tools while maintaining the same expectations districtwide. Please be on the lookout for a letter from your school leader that explains your school’s storage routine.

Why This Change

Until now, cellphone expectations have varied from school to school, which has been confusing for families and inconsistent for students. Our goal is to ensure all students have the same clear, fair expectations and the best possible conditions for learning, no matter which school they attend.

What We Learned

District review, pilot schools, and feedback from students, families, and educators showed consistent results:

  • When phones are kept away during instruction, students are more engaged and better able to focus 
  • Fewer distractions lead to calmer classrooms and stronger learning experiences 

Research reinforces what schools see every day. Cellphones, even when not actively used, can interrupt attention, lower academic performance, and make it harder for students to refocus. Cellphone use can also contribute to increased stress, cyberbullying, and other well‑being concerns.

Supporting All Students

Students who need access to a device for medical needs or documented IEP or Section 504 accommodations will continue to receive those supports.

This procedure is not about punishment; it is about creating focused, supportive learning environments and clear expectations for everyone. Thank you for partnering with us to help students learn, connect, and thrive.

If you have questions, please contact us using Let’s Talk.

With appreciation,

Bev Redmond  
Chief of Staff and Public Affairs  
Seattle Public Schools