Lamoille North Launches Cell Phone Free School Days

In June 2025, Vermont passed a new law (H.480) that will require all public schools to restrict student use of cell phones and smart devices during the school day beginning January 1, 2026; therefore, as part of our ongoing commitment to creating safe, respectful, and focused learning environments, all Lamoille North Supervisory Union schools will move to cell phone-free school days starting on the first day of school for the 2025–2026 school year.

This means that from arrival to dismissal, bell-to-bell, students will be expected to keep personal electronic devices silenced, out of sight, and unused throughout the school day.

At Lamoille North, we are choosing to act now to create consistency across our district, give students and families time to adjust, and understand expectations at the beginning of the school year rather than in the middle of the year.

By limiting access to digital distractions, we are supporting:

Improved academic focus and engagement
Positive peer interactions and school connectedness
Challenging Social Issues
A more respectful, distraction-free environment for teaching and learning

This is more than a change in practice—it is a step to promote stronger learning, deeper relationships, and healthier school climates for every student, in every building.

What Devices Are Included?

The practice applies to the following personal electronic devices:

Cell phones, including basic phones that call or text
Internet-connected devices, such as tablets or handheld gaming consoles
Smartwatches that can access the internet
AirPods, earbuds, Bluetooth headphones, and other listening devices

These items must be silenced and stored in a secure location of the student, family, or caregiver’s choosing upon arrival to school campuses. They should remain out of sight and unused during the entire school day—including during class transitions, meals, restroom breaks, and assemblies.

Medical Exceptions

We understand that some students require access to electronic monitoring devices for health-related conditions. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be supported by documentation from a licensed medical professional. Any exception granted will be specific to the student’s medical need and does not allow for general use of the device.

Headphones and Listening Devices

Headphones, earbuds, and similar devices are not permitted during the school day unless specifically allowed by a staff member for instructional use. Likewise, the use of cameras or recording functions on any device is prohibited without prior permission.

Communication During the Day

We know it is important for families to stay connected. If a student or caregiver needs to get in touch during the school day, phones are available in each school’s main office, and staff are always ready to assist.

Consistent District-Wide Expectations

We appreciate that families may want a voice in how devices are stored—and we agree. At the end of the 24-25 school year, a survey was sent to families of incoming 7th graders through outgoing 12th-grade students. The information gathered through this survey has informed the ways in which Lamoille North schools are administering this new cell phone and smart device ban during the school day.

While Lamoille North schools will honor a family’s choice in where their student stores their device (backpack, locker, etc.), all devices must be stored in a way that ensures they are not visible, audible, or used during the day.

PLEASE NOTE: School staff are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.

In support of consistency and student accountability, all Lamoille North schools will follow a clear, developmentally appropriate structure for addressing violations.

If a student uses or displays a personal electronic device during the school day:

First Violation: The student will be asked to surrender the device. It will be held in the front office and returned at the end of the school day.
Second Violation: The device will be confiscated again, and a parent/caregiver will be contacted. A parent/caregiver conference may be required before the device is returned.
Subsequent Violations: The student may face further disciplinary consequences, including restricted privileges and administrative intervention.

Refusal to surrender a device when requested by staff will be considered insubordination and may result in additional disciplinary action.

PLEASE NOTE: Administration reserves the right to adjust consequences on a case-by-case basis, particularly in cases involving safety violations, bullying, harassment, or other serious misuse of devices.

Regardless of the new law coming into effect across Vermont, this change at the start of the school year reflects the best of what we want for our Lamoille North students: stronger focus, greater connection, and learning environments rooted in respect and care. We are proud to take this critical step as a unified district, along with the majority of districts across the state. We are grateful for your partnership in making it successful.

We will continue to share updates as we approach the start of the 2025–2026 school year.

With appreciation,

Lamoille North Supervisory Union & School District