Brookings-Harbor School District is reinforcing its “Off and Away” policy on personal electronic devices to support focused learning environments and consistent expectations across all schools. These updated guidelines take effect at the start of the 2025–26 school year and are intended as a permanent districtwide standard.
What’s a personal electronic device (PED)?
A personal electronic device is any portable, battery-powered device capable of:
- Making or receiving calls or messages
- Accessing the internet or apps independently of the school’s network
- Recording, storing, or displaying audio, video, or images
Examples include (but are not limited to) smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds/headphones, and gaming devices.
Policy at a glance:
- All personal electronic devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during instructional time and any school activities where use could cause disruption.
- Devices should be stored in backpacks, lockers, or other designated areas.
- This policy applies during the entire school day, including transitions, lunch, and any school-sponsored activities on campus.
This policy aligns with BHSD Policy JFCEB – Personal Electronic Devices and Social Media, which sets consistent expectations for device use across district properties, facilities, and events.
📌 What’s Changing (and What’s Staying the Same):
Kalmiopsis Elementary School:
No change. Devices must remain off and away throughout the entire school day.
Azalea Middle School:
Now a device-free campus from arrival to departure. This includes:
- Before school
- Lunch and breaks
- After-school programs like Breakfast Club and Keep Up Club
Brookings-Harbor High School:
Devices must now be off and away from the first bell to the last bell, including during lunch and breaks.
- However, students in grades 9–12 now have open campus lunch privileges, meaning they may use personal devices only while off campus during that time.
Why We’re Strengthening the Policy:
- Reduce learning distractions
- Support respectful, safe, and focused school environments
- Encourage meaningful, face-to-face social connections
- Ensure consistent rules for all students
These changes reflect our commitment to keeping students fully engaged in their learning and to creating an inclusive, positive school culture across all campuses.
Helena Chirinian, Superintendent
August 14, 2025