In April 2025, a new Virginia State Law was passed that restricts the use of all personal student technology for students in all grades during the school day. Key terms from this law include:
"Bell to bell" means after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell rings at the end of the school day. "Bell to bell" includes lunch and time in between class periods.
"Smart device" means any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including smart watches and tablets.
This new law will impact our existing practices and will restrict student access to personal technology during the school day, except for those students with documented accommodations. For additional details on Policy 8655, review the Student Personal Device Use Fact Sheet.
The School Board will discuss updates to Policy 8655 - Student Personal Device Use that align with the new state law. The updated draft policy was an information item at the October 27, 2025, Student Behavior and Accountability committee meeting. The target completion of a new school board-approved policy is during their December 16, 2025 board meeting.
Any potential changes would most likely be implemented when students return from winter break on January 5, 2026. The policy will be open for feedback in the committee and School Board processes. A ThoughtExchange in September gathered initial school and community feedback. For additional details, review the Student Personal Device Use Fact Sheet.