Changes Next Year to Cell Phone and Personal Electronics Use Policies

All Issaquah School District High Schools will have common policies for cell phones and laptop use beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Here is what those changes mean for Gibson Ek:

2025-26 Cell Phone Policy

Current practice

Students have limited use of their cell phones. Phones are away during class, but teachers have discretion as to when students can have their phones out or when they can use their phones to complete their work. 

Why we're changing

Both the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Issaquah School Board have asked all schools to implement more restrictive policies that keep students away from their phones during the school day. This effort to reduce learning distractions at school brings us into alignment with the other ISD high schools. 

New policy

Cell phones and other personal electronic or "smart" devices will need to be silenced and stowed in backpacks or placed in a teacher designated location at the beginning of each class period and shall remain stowed until the end of the class period. This policy will also extend to hallways and common areas while class is in session, including during Exploration. Students will be allowed access to their phones during non-learning time (before/after school, during passing periods, and during lunch).

Considerations

Students needing to contact family during the day may use the phone in the front office or by accessing their phone in the front office with staff approval. Students continue to have access to their phones travelling to and from their internships and as the rules, policies or norms of their internship sites allow. If a student has a disability or medical condition that requires a cell phone, or other device, the accommodation will be noted in the student's IEP, 504 Plan or health plan, and the student's accommodation will be provided.