As a new school year kicks off, Murray families are being reminded of the school district's new expectations regarding student cell phones and personal technology. The policy aims to minimize classroom distractions, boost student engagement, and keep learning spaces safe and focused.

If you are preparing your children for the upcoming school year, here is a breakdown of how the rules apply across different grade levels, along with important exceptions every parent should know.

Grade-Level Breakdown

• Elementary Schools (Grades K–6): Rules are strictest for the youngest learners. Students are not permitted to use or possess cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, AI/smart glasses, or similar tech at any point during the school day—including lunch, recess, assemblies, passing periods, and field trips. Note for parents: The district strongly recommends leaving these devices at home whenever possible.

• Junior High Schools (Grades 7-9): Personal tech is completely banned during class time. Students may, however, use their devices during lunch, passing periods, after school, on approved field trips, or when a teacher explicitly permits them for instructional use.

• High Schools (Grades 10–12): Like junior high, personal devices are prohibited during class time. Older students may use their tech during lunch, passing periods, assemblies, after school, approved field trips, or when authorized by a teacher for learning purposes.

Classroom Expectations & Storage

For junior high and high school students allowed to bring devices to school, these must remain silenced and stored away (in a backpack or designated classroom area) during instructional time. Teachers will not be using device access as a classroom reward, nor is device use permitted during free time in class.

Exceptions & Safety Protocols

Recognizing that certain situations require flexibility, the district has specific exceptions in place. Device use is permitted for:

• Documented medical needs

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, or Individual Language Development Plans (ILDPs)

• Emergency situations or accessing the SafeUT Crisis Line

Emergency Communication: In the event of a school emergency, students will be permitted to contact their parents or guardians as soon as it is safe to do so.

Privacy and Misuse

Parents are encouraged to discuss responsible tech use with their kids. The district emphasizes that using personal devices to cheat on schoolwork, harass or intimidate others, or invade anyone’s privacy is strictly prohibited. Violations can lead to school disciplinary action and, depending on the severity, law enforcement involvement.

How Parents Can Help

District administrators are asking parents to partner with them by reviewing these expectations with their children before the first day of school to ensure a smooth, focused start to the year.