DCPS Policy for Cell Phone-Free Education
Dear Parents Guardians, and Students,
As we begin another great year, Dickenson County Public Schools would like to remind our students, families and community about the statewide policy impacting all K-12 public schools across Virginia
Effective January 1, 2025, Governor Youngkin signed a new state law which requires all public schools to implement “bell-to bell” cell phone-free environment. This means that student keep their cell phones turned off and stored away at the start of school until dismissal including lunch periods and in-between class transitions.
This policy was in effect during 2024 - 2025 school year and will be in effect on August 7, 2025 during the 2025 - 2026 school year
This policy aligns with our ongoing efforts to create safe, focused, and engaging learning environments for every student. Research continues to show that limiting distractions leads to stronger academic outcomes, better social interactions, and improved overall well-being.
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s school or contact the Dickenson County Public Schools at (276) 926-4643,
We appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to student success.
What This Means for Dickenson County Students:
· Use of Cell Phones will be restricted from Bell-to-bell including during lunch and time in between class periods.
· Cell Phone-Free Education: Students cannot access cell phones or personal electronic communication devices from their lockers or storage areas during the bell-to-bell school day.
· Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Communication Devices will be stored in lockers during the bell-to-bell school day, not on the “person” or backpacks. They should be turned off or on silent mode and stored in the lockers. In Grade 5, Cell phones will be stored in cell phone pouches in the classroom.
3. Student Use of Cell Phones or Other Electronic Signaling Devices:
The Cell Phone-Free Guidance differentiates age-appropriate cell phone restrictions in Virginia’s elementary and secondary public schools.
At Ridgeview Elementary School, cell phones and personal electronic communication devices will not be used by elementary students within the school building or school grounds during the bell-to-bell school day. Cell phones will be stored in classroom lockers and turned off during this time.
At Ridgeview Middle School, students shall not have a cell phone or personal electronic communication device during the bell-to-bell school day. In Grade 5, cell phones will be stored in pouches located in the classroom due to the unavailability of lockers.
For Grades 6th – 8th, cell phones will be stored in lockers and turned off during this time. Educators must use non-social media-based apps to communicate with students regarding activity and athletic scheduling information during school hours. Outside of the bell-to-bell instructional time, cell phones and personal electronic communication devices may be used on a high school campus before or after school
At Ridgeview High school, students shall not have a cell phone or personal electronic communication device during the bell-to-bell school day. The devices must be stored in lockers and off during this time. Educators must use non-social media-based apps to communicate activity and athletic scheduling information with students during school hours. Outside of the bell-to-bell instructional time, cell phones and personal electronic communication devices may be used on a high school campus before or after school.
** PHONES DURING AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: The Dickenson County Public Schools will allow cell phones and personal electronic communication devices at after-school activities.
Parental Contact with Students During School Hours:
· The parent can contact the main school office to reach their children during school hours. The office staff will ensure that messages will be relayed to the student promptly and appropriately.