October 25th, 2024

Avenue Cell Phone/Personal Device Policy – October Update

On April 28, 2024, the Ministry of Education clarified the expectations for students’ use of phones while at school.

To maintain a focused and engaging learning environment, Avenue Road PS and the WRDSB have implemented those expectations, and we require students to refrain from using their cell phones, personal and wearable devices at all times during the school day (9:00-3:20). 

  • We expect that the cell phones, personal and wearable devices of grade 7 and 8 students be in their locker and set to silent or turned off during the entire school day (9:00am-3:20pm). At no time should students use or have their cell phones, personal or wearable devices out in hallways or during transitions. 
  • If you have a child in K-6 the expectation is that cell phones, personal and wearable devices remain at home, and if it is at school, it is set to silent/turned off, and remains in the student’s backpack for the entire school day. 

Exceptions include:

  • For educational purposes, if explicitly permitted by the educator 
  • For health and medical purposes (as arranged in advance with a parent/guardian for students with medical conditions that require the use of a cell phone or wearable device (ie. diabetes, heart conditions, epilepsy, chronic respiratory diseases etc,).
  • To support special education needs, as documented in the student’s IEP

In an emergency, if a student needs to use a phone, outside of the exceptions, we ask that they please talk to a teacher so we can find a solution that works for them. 

As educators, we have a responsibility to cultivate an environment that encourages the learning and well-being of our students. Cell phones have positive uses, but in classrooms, they can lead to distracted, disengaged students who are socially isolated from their peers and their learning.

Staff will contact the office if students use cell phones outside of these expectations. These students will then bring their phone/device to the office, turn it off, label it with their name, and leave it in the office for the rest of the school day to support their regulation and attention.

For Parents/Guardians/Caregivers

We invite caregivers to consider making arrangements for cell phones to remain at home. 

Parents/guardians and caregivers can reach their children at any time by calling the main office and we are more than happy to get them or deliver a message.  

  • Call 519-623-0860 or email ave-attendance@wrdsb.ca with any relevant information.

We recommend that you have a proactive conversation with your child about these expectations, and thank you for your support.