Communication Device Policy

New Policy: Student Use of Communication Devices in School

On April 21, 2026, the DCSD Board of Education approved a new policy related to student communication devices in DCSD schools.  You can watch the discussion on the DCSD YouTube page. The presentation slides included new information as well as the slides from the March 3 Board presentation. The full, approved policy (Board File JICJA) can be found here: https://dcsdk12.community.highbond.com/home/public/document/188a9247-eb20-4e01-96b4-d330a7d9170c 

Please note the following excerpt from this policy:

Devices under this definition include, but are not limited to, cell phones (e.g., Android, iPhone, flip phones), wearables (e.g., smart watches, earbuds/headphones, smart eyeglasses), cameras, audio and/or video recorders and players, and all other handheld or mobile electronic communication and data storage devices. Laptops or tablets while used for school purposes are excluded from this definition. 

Subject to the exceptions set out below, the following minimum restrictions will apply for each grade level: 

● At DCSD elementary and middle schools, students with CDs must keep them silenced (no vibration or sound), stored, and not to be used during the entirety of the school day. 

● At DCSD high schools, students with CDs must keep them silenced (no vibration or sound), stored, and not to be used during the entirety of each class period. 

All students will store their CDs in area(s) determined by each school (e.g., backpacks, lockers, hanging phone pocket chart, phone box organizers) during the restricted time, except where: 

● supervising DCSD staff gives permission to a student(s) to use a CD for instructional purposes and/or to address an urgent situation that cannot be addressed through school communication options; and/or 

● the terms of a student’s 504 plan, Individual Education Plan (IEP), a documented health need (e.g., diabetes tracker), and/or any other state or federal law require the use of a CD(s). 

Violation of this policy or any other district, school, or classroom rule on student use of CDs will result in consequences and potential disciplinary measures, including temporary confiscation of the CDs. JICJA-R sets out guidance regarding consequences for violation of this policy. 

At Pioneer, students will be expected to turn devices off or turn them to silent, and store them in their backpacks for the entirety of the school day. If students are  in violation of this policy, a staff member will take the device to the office, where it can be picked up at the end of the day by the parent or guardian. Parents or guardians who need to communicate with their child during the school day should call the office at 303-387-8400. Our office staff will deliver messages to students before the end of the school day.