Saginaw Public Schools is implementing updated expectations for student cell phones and other personal wireless communication devices for the 2026–2027 school year.
The policy is designed to support focused learning environments, reduce distractions during the school day, and align district procedures with new Michigan requirements.
What Families Need to Know
Personal wireless communication devices include cell phones and smartphones, as well as smart watches, earbuds and headphones, tablets, personal laptops, gaming devices, smart glasses, and other devices that can call, text, record, photograph, livestream, or connect to the internet.
Elementary Students
Elementary students are prohibited from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time.
Devices must be powered off or silenced and stored out of sight in the location designated by the building administrator for the duration of the school day.
This includes:
Making or receiving phone calls
Sending or reading text messages
Using social media, games, or streaming applications
Taking photos or videos
Middle and High School Students
Secondary students will be away from their personal devices during the school day. Each building will use an established storage process.
At Saginaw United High School, Thompson Middle School, Success Academy, and Saginaw Middle School, students will turn in their devices upon arrival. Devices will be stored securely and returned at dismissal.
At Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy and Saginaw Career Complex, students will place devices in numbered classroom cell phone lockers for the duration of the class period.
Each building will communicate any additional procedures related to storage, late arrivals, testing days, field trips, and other school-specific situations.
Secondary Violations
For middle and high school students, repeated violations will result in progressive consequences:
First violation:
Device is held and returned only to a parent or guardian.
Second violation:
Student loses the privilege of bringing a device to school for the remainder of the semester or year. The device is returned only to a parent or guardian.
Third violation:
Mandatory parent or guardian conference and suspension under the Student Code of Conduct.
Fourth violation:
Suspension to a disciplinary hearing.
Exceptions
The policy includes required exceptions for medically necessary devices, district-owned or district-assigned technology, devices required through an IEP, 504 Plan, or health plan, approved instructional use, and emergency situations.
Emergency Procedures
Each school’s Emergency Operations Plan outlines when and how students may use wireless devices during an emergency.
Devices will remain in secure storage unless a staff member, administrator, or first responder directs otherwise. Family communication and reunification will be handled through official district channels.
Why This Matters
Our goal is to create school environments where students can focus on learning, engage with their teachers and classmates, and make the most of the school day.
We appreciate the support of our students, families, and staff as we begin the 2026–2027 school year with clear expectations around personal devices.
Our Kids. Our Future. Our Community.