For the 2024-2025 school year, FMS has enhanced cell phone practices aimed at creating a better learning environment for all students.
As in the past, students may not have their phones out during class time. To further reduce distractions in the classroom, students must keep their cell phones, smartwatches and other Wi-Fi-connected devices out of sight, silenced, or in airplane mode during class and after-school instructional activities such as tutoring. Devices may only be out and used for learning purposes with the teacher’s permission. Parents/guardians of students with a documented medical condition that requires a device for monitoring should contact the school nurse at jdwashington@henrico.k12.va.us or 804-328-4020.
During class time, students must keep their cell phones out of sight in their backpacks, bags or safe storage containers provided by the school in each classroom. If a student needs to leave class to visit the restroom, clinic, school counseling office, etc., their cell phone must remain in the classroom. Students may use their personal devices between classes and during lunch periods. Backpacks will be placed in a designated area in the classroom
In addition, ALL electronic devices (air pods, BEATS, headphones, are not to be visible at any time while on campus. Please have your Falcon leave them at home!
If a student fails to follow these guidelines, the following steps will be taken in alignment with the 2024-2025 Code of Student Conduct.
Recommended Consequences of Cell Phone Use Infractions* | |
First Offense | Device confiscated until the end of the school day, verbal warning and parent/guardian contacted. |
Second Offense | Device confiscated, parent/guardian contacted, and parent/guardian must retrieve the device. |
Third Offense | Device confiscated, parent/guardian must retrieve the device, and school-level consequences shall apply. |
Fourth Offense | Device confiscated, parent/guardian must retrieve the device, school-level consequences shall apply, and student shall be banned from possessing a cell phone and/or electronic device at school for the remainder of the school year. |
*School administrators may check for cell phones following the established HCPS Search and Seizure policy. | |
Random cell phone sweeps will be conducted by administration and school security officers
Thank you for your attention to these changes. By working together to reinforce expectations and consistently implement these enhanced practices, we can create a more focused and productive learning environment for students. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please feel free to contact me or a member of our school administrative team.