FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — From bell to bell, the Clovis Unified School District wants to remind students to put away their electronic devices in the classroom.

“Now it’s about making sure that we’re enforcing this consistently across all campuses and that one of our teachers also understands what their role is and what the school administration is going to do to support this as well,” said Kelly Avants, chief communications officer for Clovis Unified.

The school district has had a ban on cell phones in classrooms for at least ten years.

“I think part of the anxiety parents have comes from wondering, ‘What if something happens at school? I want my child to be able to reach me. We’re not taking away kids’ phones when we tell them they can’t bring them to campus,'” Avants said.

When students are in the classroom, their phones must be put away. Teachers have the right to allow students to use electronic devices for educational purposes.

She adds that the use of mobile phones for posting on social media or recording video or audio is not permitted unless directed by a staff member.

“It’s always helpful when we remove barriers and find ways to engage our students,” says Joshua Shapiro, principal of Clovis Unified School.

He said he has worked with other school principals in the district to develop a disciplinary action plan.

Students will receive a warning and have their cell phones confiscated for the day. If cell phones continue to be used in the classroom, the teacher will contact the student’s parents.

Sharpiro said cell phones not only interfere with classroom learning but also become a social distraction.

“We’re just trying to support our students who want to get involved. And we want our students to feel connected to our school and the adults who want to support them as well.”

The school management states that the schools always have open communication channels if parents need to contact their child.

The new year begins for Clovis Unified schools on Monday.

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