USD 210 is committed to providing students with a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment. Research consistently demonstrates that limiting access to personal electronic communication devices during the school day improves student engagement, strengthens peer interactions, reduces distractions, and supports academic achievement. Our goal is to maximize instructional time while helping students develop healthy habits regarding technology use.

To support these goals, the use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day is prohibited. Personal electronic communication devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, wireless headphones, and any other non-school-issued electronic communication device. Wired headphones are allowed. This policy applies from the beginning of the school day until dismissal, including instructional time, passing periods, lunch, and recess.

Students shall ensure all personal electronic communication devices are turned off (or silenced, when appropriate) and stored as required by their school building. Because each attendance center has unique supervision, facility, and operational needs, building administrators shall establish procedures for the secure storage of student devices that are consistent with this district policy.

Building Procedures

Hugoton Elementary

Personal electronic communication devices must be turned off and stored in the student's backpack throughout the school day.

Hugoton Middle School

Students who bring a device to school must turn it off (or silence it) and store it in their assigned locker during the school day.
Students who prefer not to store a device in their locker may check it into the school office before school and retrieve it at dismissal.
Students may not access a stored device during the school day except when checking out of school with office approval.

Hugoton High School and Hugoton Learning Academy

Students are encouraged to leave personal electronic communication devices at home or secured in their vehicle.
Students who bring a device to school and do not wish to leave it in their vehicle may check it into the school office before school and retrieve it at dismissal.

Any device confiscated by a staff member shall be delivered to the school office as soon as reasonably practical.

Consequences

Students found using or possessing an accessible personal electronic communication device in violation of this policy are subject to the following consequences:

First Offense

Device confiscated and secured in the office.
Student may retrieve the device at the end of the school day.

Second Offense

Device confiscated and secured in the office.
30-minute detention.
Parent/guardian notified and required to retrieve the device.

Third Offense

Device confiscated and secured in the office.
One-hour detention and/or community service.
Parent/guardian notified and required to retrieve the device.

Fourth and Subsequent Offenses

Device confiscated and secured in the office.
One day of In-School Suspension (ISS), including community service as assigned.
Parent/guardian notified and required to retrieve the device.

Parent Communication

Parents or guardians who need to contact a student during the school day should contact the appropriate school office. Office staff will promptly deliver messages to students. Students needing to contact a parent or guardian during the school day should request permission to use a school telephone through the office.

Legal Reference

This policy is consistent with the requirements of 2026 Kansas Session Laws, Chapter 8 (Senate Substitute for Substitute for House Bill 2299), codified in K.S.A. 72-6147 et seq. As provided by Kansas law, the district, its Board of Education, and its employees shall not be liable for the loss, theft, damage, or destruction of any personal electronic communication device brought onto school property or to a school-sponsored activity by a student.

Adopted - 08/26

Hugoton Public Schools USD 210