In July, Governor Youngkin issued an Executive Order regarding cellphone-free instructional spaces. Although schools aren’t required to implement this order until January 2025, we’ve decided to start the school year with a cellphone-free environment in all Fauquier County Public Schools classrooms. This approach will help us avoid a mid-year policy change and ensure our practices align with both the VDOE and the Executive Order.

We understand that this is a significant change, and you may have questions about how it will affect your child. Below, we’ve provided consistent guidelines and expectations for elementary, middle, and high school students that will go into effect on the first day of school, Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Elementary School Guidelines: Students may bring cellphones to school, but they should be kept in backpacks for the entire school day once they enter the building. Cellphones should not be used during school hours.

Middle School Guidelines: Students should turn off their cellphones before entering the school building. Cellphones should remain off and out of sight for the entire school day, including during classes, transitions, and breaks.

High School Guidelines: Students may use cellphones before and after school, during class changes, and during lunch. During instructional time, students should store their cellphones as directed by the teacher, either in backpacks, on their person, or in a designated area within the classroom. The use of cellphones for instructional purposes is allowed only with prior approval from the principal.

Consequences for Unauthorized Use of the School Cellphone Policy:
Unauthorized use of cellular telephones, smartphones, laptop computers, tablets, personal digital assistants, portable music or video players, and/or other portable communication and electronic devices as defined in Prohibited Behaviors is strictly prohibited. This includes any use that disrupts the educational environment or is not in line with school guidelines.

• First Offense: Loss of personal electronic device privileges for one school day.
• Second Offense: Loss of personal electronic device privileges for one month.
• Third Offense: Loss of personal electronic device privileges for the remainder of the school year.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these new guidelines to enhance the learning environment for all students.