Eagles,  

As you may have already seen in news reports, a new Missouri state law signed by Gov. Kehoe earlier this summer requires school districts to enforce a ban on personal communication devices (cell phones, smartwatches, tablets and personal laptops) for all grades from the time school starts until students are dismissed at the end of the day. This includes a ban on cell phone use during passing periods and at mealtimes.

While this has long been the policy for our elementary and middle school students, cell phone use for high school students was previously restricted during class time only. The Joplin Schools Board of Education has since approved a new policy to align with the state law, so the full ban will be in place for all grades, including during passing periods and at mealtimes.

Exceptions may be made for students with specific medical or educational needs, as documented in an IEP, 504 Plan, or an individual health plan as documented by a physician. 

You can find all of this information as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions on our website.  

We recognize that our students will be adjusting to these new expectations in the first days of school. You can support them by having conversations now about what will be expected. We will add details to the website as necessary to help keep our parents and students informed of our compliance with the state law. If you have questions that remain unanswered, please contact your school principal or comment below. 

Thank you for partnering with us this school year!