Pennsbury Cell Phone Policy

Pennsbury Cell Phone Policy
Posted on 08/24/2026
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Dear Pennsbury School Community,

As we prepare for a new school year, we remain focused on creating learning environments where students are engaged, connected, and able to thrive. One important part of that work is ensuring technology support learning without becoming a distraction. 

This year, we are taking several steps to promote greater focus, meaningful engagement, and a healthy balance with technology.

 

  • Cell Phone Policy - Beginning in September, students in all schools will be expected to keep cell phones and personal digital devices silences and stored away during instructional time unless directed by a teacher for educational purposes. Our goal is simple: fewer distractions and more opportunities for students to engage with their teachers, classmates, and learning. View the Electronic Devices Policy.
  • Scree Time Tools for Families - Parents and guardians will have access to the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides information about student screen time and online activity, along with tools to manage access outside of school hours, Be on the look out for an email from Lightspeed this week with instructions on creating an account. More information is available on our Family Tech Hub.
  • Schoology Weekly Email Digest - Parents and guardians who would like to receive a weekly email digest of their student's progress in their classes can follow these instructions to enable it.
  • Technology Use Review Committee - This fall, we will bring together parents, educators, and administrators to review how technology is used in our classrooms and identify ways to make its use even more purposeful while reducing unnecessary screen time.

Technology can be a powerful tool for learning, but it should never replace the relationships, conversations, creativity, and experiences that make school meaningful. Thank you for partnering with us as we work to create the best possible learning experience for every Pennsbury student.

Pride. Purpose. Progress.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
[email protected]
215-428-4111

 

Off & Away During the Instructional Day: Classroom Expectations for Students. Students should enter class ready to learn, silence or power off cell phones and other communication-enabled devices, and place them in the classroom’s hanging cell phone caddy before instruction begins. Smartwatches, earbuds, and headphones should also be stored unless the teacher says otherwise. Once devices are stored, students should take their seats and begin the assigned warm-up or opening task. Throughout class, devices must remain in the caddy unless the teacher authorizes their use for a learning activity. Students should retrieve devices only when the teacher dismisses class. These expectations help students focus on learning, show respect for themselves, teachers, and classmates, and help everyone succeed.