The Wheaton R-III School District will be implementing a new policy governing student use of personal technology in response to the passage of Senate Bill 68 by the Missouri General Assembly during the 2025 session. The new policy, which can be found in the student handbooks for both buildings within the district, satisfies all requirements of Section 162.207 by mandating that students "are prohibited from displaying or using an electronic personal communications device (a portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically) from the beginning of the school day until the end of the school day, including, but not limited to, instructional time, meal times, breaks, time between classes, and during study halls." It is important to note that the legislation's definition of "Personal Communication Device" goes beyond cell phones, and will be interpreted to include smart watches, personal laptops, personal tablets, gaming devices, airpods/headphones, and numerous other devices.
The law also mandates that each district's policy outline the disciplinary consequences of student violations. Those consequences are also listed in the student handbook, and are summarized below:
1st offense: Cell Phone/Personal Property will be confiscated and returned only to the student at the end of the school day.
2nd offense: Cell Phone/Personal Property will be confiscated and returned only to the student’s parent/guardian. The student will serve 1 day of ASD.
3rd offense: Cell Phone/Personal Property will be confiscated and returned only to the student’s parent/guardian after a conference with the building administrator. The student will also serve 2 days of ASD.
Ongoing offenses: Cell Phone/Personal Property will be confiscated and returned only to the student’s parent/guardian after a conference with the building administrator. The student will serve an additional day of ASD per offense, or be subjected to further disciplinary action as necessary.
Questions about the new policy will be taken by administration at the district's open house event on Thursday, August 14th from 5:00-7:00 PM. Parents/Students with questions are encouraged to reach out to their building administrators for additional guidance.