KENNEWICK, Washington – Kennewick High School administrators have created an updated cell phone policy for students ahead of the first day of school on Aug. 28.

According to a Kennewick High School newsletter to students and families obtained by NonStop Local, the updated school policy fully complies with Kennewick School District Policy 3308 and is designed to improve student “engagement” throughout the classroom.

According to Kennewick High’s new cell phone policy, phones must be put away in all classrooms unless a teacher gives permission.

Students will be allowed to access their phones during recess, lunchtime, and before and after school, the newsletter said.

If parents need to communicate an urgent message to their child, they should contact the KHS main office at 509-222-7100.

According to KHS, the goal of our Personal Electronic Devices policy is to increase student engagement in the classroom and create a culture of respect for learning. A “No Personal Electronic Devices” policy is the default in all KHS classrooms.

The KHS administration expects full cooperation from students and hopes to avoid conflict or disciplinary action. However, according to the letter to students and their families, a disciplinary system has been put in place to address unauthorized use of cell phones in the classroom.

Disciplinary action for failure to meet expectations regarding personal electronic devices.

1st Incident: Students will be asked to turn in their device, complete a “Personal Electronic Device Form,” and pick up their device from their teacher after school. 2nd Incident: Students will be asked to turn in their phone and pick it up after school. The teacher will contact the student’s parents. 3rd Incident: Students will be asked to turn in their phone to the office and parents will be asked to pick up the phone after school. 4th Incident or more: Student will be required to meet with an administrator, parents will be required to pick up the phone after school, and further disciplinary action may be taken based on KSD’s Disciplinary Matrix.

KHS’s new cell phone policy will go into effect on the first day of school and will be explained to all students by their teachers.

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