A new Spartanburg District Five policy aims to lessen distractions in the classroom, allowing students to focus more on learning.
At its regularly scheduled October meeting, District Five's Board of Trustees unanimously passed Policy JICJ: the Prohibition of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day. In June, the South Carolina Legislature passed Proviso 1.103, leading to the creation of this policy by the South Carolina Board of Education, which is mandated for all school districts in the state of South Carolina. In District Five schools, the policy will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
The policy prohibits the use of personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, smartwatches, and other similar devices, during the school day. The intent is to create a more focused and distraction-free learning environment, allowing students to fully engage with their peers and teachers. By limiting the use of these devices, District Five hopes to support students' development of critical skills for success in school, college, careers, and life.
In the coming weeks, District Five will share additional information and resources to help guide parents, families, and students through this transition. The district is committed to ensuring this process is as smooth as possible for students, families, and staff.