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At Creswell School District, we are committed to creating a learning environment where every student can engage deeply, build meaningful connections, and thrive without the constant hum of digital distractions.
In alignment with guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and our commitment to student well-being, the Creswell School Board adopted an updated Personal Electronic Device Policy (JFCEB) on November 12, 2025. This policy aims to balance the benefits of technology with the need for a focused, “phone-free” instructional day.
The Core Rule: “Off and Away”
From the start of regular instructional hours until the end of the school day, student use of personal electronic devices is prohibited.
- What’s included: Smartphones, web-enabled flip phones, smartwatches, tablets, e-readers, and connected headphones or earbuds.
- What’s excluded: Laptop computers or other devices specifically required for academic activities.
- Storage: Students may keep their devices on their person (such as in a pocket or backpack), but they must remain turned off and out of sight.
Exceptions to the Policy
We recognize that some students have unique circumstances. Use of a personal device is permitted if it is required for:
- Medical Necessity: Following a provider’s order for a medical condition.
- Educational Support: As outlined in a student’s IEP or 504 Plan.
- Approved Exemptions: Via a written request (Form JFCEB-AR) approved by school administration.
Support and Compliance
Our goal is to support students in adjusting to these expectations. When reminders are needed, we follow a progressive approach that prioritizes keeping students in the classroom:
Staying Connected
We understand that parents and guardians may need to reach their children during the school day. To ensure your student remains focused on their learning, please contact the school office for any necessary communications. Our staff will ensure your child receives your message promptly.
Creswell High School: Personal Electronic Device Guidelines
Creswell High School: Personal Electronic Device Guidelines
Creswell High School is committed to fostering a learning environment that prioritizes student well-being and deep engagement. In alignment with the State of Oregon’s Executive Order, CHS has implemented these guidelines to ensure our classrooms remain focused and “phone-free.”
The CHS Rule: Distraction-Free Learning
Student use of personal electronic devices is restricted during instructional time to ensure every student has the best opportunity for success.
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What’s Included: This policy covers cell phones and all accessories that connect via Bluetooth to phones or school Chromebooks. This includes smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and earbuds.
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The Goal: By removing the “constant hum” of digital notifications, we support the mental health of our students and create a space for meaningful, face-to-face connections.
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Exemptions: Requests for personal electronic device exemptions should be made directly to Principal Towe.
Progressive Response to Misuse
CHS uses a five-step approach to help students adjust to these expectations. Our priority is to resolve issues at the classroom level while involving families as needed.
| Step | Action Taken | Resolution |
| 1st | Warning | Verbal reminder from staff. |
| 2nd | Teacher confiscation | Teacher holds device until the end of class; parents are informed. |
| 3rd | Admin support | Device held by Administration; parents called; student retrieves after school. |
| 4th | Admin/Parent meeting | Admin calls parents to schedule a meeting; parent must retrieve device. |
| 5th | Behavior Plan | A Behavior Assurance Plan is crafted with a team meeting to document preventative measures. |
Family Communication
To help us maintain a focused environment, we ask that parents and guardians avoid texting or calling their students directly during school hours.
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How to reach your student: Please call the CHS Main Office. Our staff will ensure your child receives your message promptly without interrupting their learning or the learning of their peers.
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Student Possession: Students are permitted to have phones on campus, provided they follow the “Off and Away” guidelines during instructional hours.
See CHS Student Handbook for more information.
Creslane Elementary: Personal Electronic Device Guidelines
Creslane Elementary: Personal Electronic Device Guidelines
At Creslane, we prioritize a hands-on, focused learning environment. To minimize distractions, we follow a strict “Backpack Only” storage rule for all personal devices.
The Creslane Rule: “Off and Out of Sight”
From the moment students arrive until the final bell rings, all personal electronic devices must be turned off and stored in the student’s backpack. * Includes: Smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and all headphones/earbuds.
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Where to Store: Devices must remain in backpacks. Unlike the general district policy, students at Creslane may not carry devices in their pockets or clothing during school hours.
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When: This applies to the entire school day, including classroom time, lunch, and recess.
Consequences for Misuse
If a device is seen or used during school hours, staff will follow these progressive steps to ensure the focus remains on learning:
| Offense | Action Taken | Retrieval Process |
| First | Device confiscated and sent to the office. | Student picks up at the end of the day. |
| Second | Device confiscated and sent to the office. | Student picks up with parent/guardian permission at the end of the day. |
| Third | Device confiscated; disciplinary action for defiance. | Parent/guardian must physically pick up the device from the office. |
| Beyond | Loss of privilege to carry a phone at school. | Device must be checked into the office every morning and retrieved at dismissal. |
Safety & Communication
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Need to reach your child? Please call the Creslane front office. We will ensure your student gets the message immediately.
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Academic Tech: School-provided computers and devices required for lessons are not affected by this policy.
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Responsibility: Please remember that the school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices.
For more information, see the Creslane Elementary Student Handbook.
Creswell Middle School: Personal Electronic Device Guidelines
Creswell Middle School: Personal Electronic Device Guidelines
To support the academic and social growth of our students, Creswell Middle School maintains a strict “Locker Only” policy. We aim to eliminate the distractions of social media and notifications during the school day.
The CMS Rule: “In the Locker, All Day”
As soon as a student enters the building, all personal electronic devices must be powered off and placed in their assigned locker.
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What to Store: This includes cell phones, smartwatches, and AirPods/wireless earbuds.
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Where to Store: Devices may not be kept in backpacks, pockets, or worn on the wrist. They must remain in the locker until the end of the school day.
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Wired Earphones: For classroom assignments and State Assessments, students are encouraged to bring inexpensive wired earphones. Wireless options (AirPods) are not permitted in class.
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Liability: Students bring these devices at their own risk. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen personal electronics.
Consequences for Misuse
Refusal to hand over a device when asked by staff will result in an automatic lunch detention. Otherwise, the following progressive steps apply:
| Offense | Action Taken | Retrieval & Discipline |
| First | Device confiscated and sent to the office. | Student picks up at end of day; Warning logged. |
| Second | Device confiscated and sent to the office. | Parent permission required for pickup; Lunch Detention assigned. |
| Third | Device confiscated and sent to the office. | Parent must pick up (by 3:45 PM); Lunch Detention; Future check-in required. |
| Beyond | Permanent loss of privilege to have device at school. | Behavior contract and additional disciplinary action. |
Communication & Planning
We ask parents and guardians to help us protect instructional time by following these communication guidelines:
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Office Contact: If you need to reach your student, call the main office at 541-895-6090. We will only pull students from class for emergencies.
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The 15-Minute Rule: Please avoid calling for your student within the last 15 minutes of the school day. This is our busiest time, and we cannot guarantee that messages will reach students before dismissal.
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Social Plans: Please arrange after-school social plans with your student before they arrive at school. School phones are reserved for essential communication, not social scheduling.
For more information, please see the CMS Student Handbook.