Dear New Albany-Plain Local Schools Families,
We want to inform you of the law passed by the Ohio Legislature as part of the last year's approved State Budget Bill (HB 96).
Students are prohibited from using personal communication devices (PCDs)—including cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal devices not issued by New Albany-Plain Local Schools—during the instructional school day, including class transitions and lunch/recess.
This law, enacted by the Ohio General Assembly, requires all public schools in Ohio to adopt policies that eliminate the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. The goal of this legislation is to minimize distractions, enhance academic engagement, and support student well-being. In response, the NAPLS Board of Education has adopted Policy 5136: Personal Communication Devices.
What This Means for Our Students
Students at New Albany-Plain Local Schools are not permitted to use cell phones or other personal electronic communication devices during school hours, including class transitions and lunch.
Students may bring these devices to school, but they must be powered off and stored out of sight during the instructional day. Devices may only be used before or after school, at after-school events and activities, and on school transportation with the approval of an advisor, coach, or bus driver.
We understand that families may rely on mobile phones to stay in touch during the school day. Please rest assured that in the event of an emergency or urgent matter, parents and guardians can contact the school office directly. We remain committed to maintaining clear and open communication.
Implementation and Expectations
Over the coming weeks, our schools will:
• Communicate building-specific expectations and procedures with students and families.
• Provide guidance on where and how devices should be stored during the school day.
• Reinforce the appropriate use of technology for learning purposes.
Student handbooks have been updated to reflect this change in procedures and expectations. We encourage all families to review the updated information carefully.
We appreciate your support and partnership as we implement this new state mandate. Together, we can foster an environment focused on academic excellence, learning, and student well-being.
In addition NAPLS administrators have developed this FAQ. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of the administrators listed below. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of New Albany-Plain Local Schools.
Sincerely,
Scott Emery, Director of Elementary Education (Preschool to Grade 6)
Bryan O’Shea, Director of Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
Michelle Levero, Early Learning Center Principal (Preschool to Kindergarten)
Melissa Garris, Primary School Principal (Grades 1-3)
Megan Ballinger, Intermediate School Principal (Grades 4-6)
Kevin Freeman, Middle School Principal (Grades 7-8)
Dr. Rob Russell, High School Principal (Grades 9-12)
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Policy 5136, Personal Communication Devices (PCDs)
- What types of devices are included in this policy?
- All public K–12 schools must adopt formal, written policies prohibiting student access to personal electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, e-readers, personal laptops, gaming devices) from the first bell to the last bell of the school day—covering all instructional and non‑instructional periods.
- Teachers or administrators may harvest exemptions for school‑issued devices used for educational purposes as authorized by school leadership.
- What exactly does “turned off and stored out of site for the entire school day” mean?
- The school day begins when the first bell rings for arrival and ends when the last bell rings for dismissal. Devices may not be used during lunch, study hall, between classes etc.
- Principals will communicate where devices must be stored in their respective buildings.
- Devices stored during the school day must be powered off as stated. They may not be left on vibrate or silent mode.
- Can students use PCDs for school-related purposes, such as checking assignments or using educational apps?
- This is not permitted. Only school-issued devices may be used.
- Are there exceptions for students with medical needs or IEP/504 accommodations?
- Students that must monitor medical needs throughout the day may be approved to use a PCD with documentation from the medical provider specifically stating the necessity.
- Students whose IEP or 504 plans explicitly permit the use of PCDs for educational purposes may be approved to use them with supervision of the teacher.
- Can PCDs be used on school buses?
- Yes this is permitted by the policy with the approval of the bus driver to and from school and coach/advisor for after school athletics and activities.
- Will this policy apply to staff/teachers?
- No, the policy and legislation are specific to student use.
- If my child wears an Apple Watch that is set to “Schooltime" mode so it cannot receive any notifications and only shows the time, can they wear it to school?
- No, per Board policy all PCDs, including smart watches, must be "stored out of sight." Principals will communicate the exact procedures for this in their respective buildings.
Enforcement and Consequences
- How will the policy be enforced?
- The policy will be enforced through the student code of conduct as are all student discipline issues.
- What are the consequences for violating the policy?
- Consequences for violations of the student code of conduct are outlined in the student handbook.
- If a PCD is confiscated, how and when can it be retrieved?
- Principals will communicate the process for their respective buildings.
- If a confiscated device is held in the office, will it be in a secure location?
- Yes, the device will be held in a secure location but the district cannot be responsible for property that is brought to school against Board policy and is damaged or stolen.
- How can I reach my child during the school day if needed?
- Parents should call the main office to reach their child in case of an emergency or to deliver a message.
- How will students contact parents in emergencies if they can’t use their phones?
- Students who need to contact parents should report to the office to request to call home.
- The district’s emergency management plan will provide procedures to be followed In the event of a school or district emergency. In addition, staff have access to PCDs and Centigex badges which alert administrators and police, depending on the type of emergency.
- What is the goal of this new policy?
- The goal of this legislation is to minimize distractions, enhance academic engagement, and support student well-being.
- How will the school measure whether the policy is working?
- The district does not have any choice in the requirements of the policy. The only local provisions are for consequences and use outside of the instructional day.
