Dear LCPS families,
I am writing to let you know that on Tuesday, December 16, the School Board approved an updated Policy 8655 - Student Personal Device Use. The updated policy aligns LCPS practices with a new Virginia State Law restricting student access to personal technology during the school day, while on school property, from bell to bell, except for students with documented accommodations.
We recognize that this will be an adjustment for our families, and we ask for your understanding and patience as we begin implementing these changes when students return to school on January 5.
What is changing for students?
During school hours, or bell to bell, all students' internet-connected devices not issued by LCPS must be turned off and stored away. These include laptops, Macs, smart watches, AirPods, and any device that connects to the internet and was not issued by LCPS.
While our elementary and middle school students are accustomed to having their phones turned off and away, our high school students have had access to them outside of instructional time. For them especially, the provisions of this updated Policy 8655 will be an adjustment. Students may need reminders or even warnings to remove and stow their personal technology until this new behavior becomes a habit.
Principals will work with their school communities to consistently inform families about and reinforce these changes.
LCPS has developed an updated fact sheet and www.lcps.org/8655 where you can access additional information.
If you have questions, please visit lcps.org/8655 to find more information and a link to the policy. As always, contact your school for additional questions about your individual student.
The Virginia Law defines:
"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" refers to any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including smartwatches and tablets.
How can your family prepare for this adjustment?
Remind students that they are allowed to use their personal devices before and after school, including while on the bus.
The school may need to contact you if your child visits the school nurse or experiences another emergency.
Ensure your contact information is up-to-date in ParentVUE. It will serve as the primary source of information should the school need to contact you.
Please answer a call from the school.
Students may use the office phone to contact you for an important reason.
Ensure your student knows your daytime phone number.
Ensure that students understand your expectations for storing and managing their devices.
We appreciate your help as we implement this Virginia requirement in the new year. As always, please reach out to your principal to discuss how this may impact your individual student.
Warmly,
Aaron Spence, Ed.D.
Superintendent