High School Cell Phone Policy
Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy
📱 High School Cell Phone Policy
Understanding the Rules and Expectations
High school students earn more independence, and independence comes with responsibility. Use technology the right way, in the right place, at the right time.
Tip: Replace this illustration with an approved WSPA photo when available.
🔥 Why This Policy Matters
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education updated the cell phone policy to support a stronger learning environment. At WSPA, the goal is to protect instructional time while still giving high school students limited, responsible access during lunch.
Too much cell phone use during school can lead to distractions, poor sleep, stress, and missed learning. The expectation is clear: during class and transitions, learning comes first.
💬 Think-Pair-Share
Think: How can cell phones distract students during class?
Pair: Discuss your thoughts with a partner.
Share: Volunteers share key ideas with the class.
📵 General Rules During the Instructional Day
1️⃣ No Phone Use During Instruction
Students may not use cell phones during class unless a teacher or administrator gives permission for an approved reason.
2️⃣ Off and Out of Sight
Phones must be turned off and kept out of sight during the instructional day, outside of approved high school lunch use.
🍽️ High School Specific Rule
High school students may use phones in the cafeteria only during their designated lunch period.
This is a privilege. Keep it respectful, safe, and school-appropriate.
✅ When Can High School Students Use Phones?
In the Cafeteria
During your assigned lunch period only.
Before or After School
Phone use is allowed before or after the school day.
On the Bus
Allowed unless it causes distractions or safety concerns.
Authorized Use
Teachers or administrators may allow use for health reasons, assistive technology, or learning activities.
🚫 Where Phones Are Not Allowed
High school phone access does not mean phones are allowed everywhere.
🚶 Hallways
No phones during transitions.
🚻 Bathrooms
No phone use in bathrooms.
🪜 Stairwells
No phones in stairwells.
📚 Classrooms
No use during instruction unless authorized.
Tip: Replace this illustration with an approved WSPA photo when available.
⚠️ Unauthorized Use Consequences
Students are expected to follow the policy. Unauthorized use will lead to progressive consequences.
1st Offense
Warning and parent contact.
2nd Offense
Student conference and parent contact.
3rd Offense
Office referral and parent contact. The device is confiscated and must be picked up by a parent/legal guardian. Failure to surrender a device is a level 3 offense.
🚨 Important Reminders
- Phones confiscated for unauthorized use will only be returned to a parent or guardian.
- Severe violations may result in a phone ban for the rest of the school year.
- Serious infractions include cheating, bullying, or distributing inappropriate content.
👥 Group Discussion
In groups, discuss this question:
Be ready to share your group’s best idea with the class.
📝 Phoenix Commitment
Write down 2–3 specific actions you will take to follow the high school cell phone policy.
- I will use my phone only in approved spaces and at approved times.
- I will keep my phone off and out of sight during instruction and transitions.
- I will use technology in a way that protects my learning and respects others.
🌟 Phoenix Challenge
This week, show high school leadership by using your phone responsibly, keeping it away during instruction, and helping protect the learning environment.
Responsible Phoenixes Rise Higher!
#PhoenixPride #WSPA #ResponsibleTech #HighSchoolLeadership
