Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well and that your family is enjoying the remaining weeks of summer. As we prepare for the new school year, I want to inform you about an important change that will take effect in all New Hampshire public schools this fall: a statewide bell-to-bell ban on student cell phone use during the school day.

This new law, enacted by the New Hampshire legislature, is intended to support a more focused, respectful, and engaged learning environment for all students. Under this law, students will be required to keep their personal communication devices turned off and put away from the start of the school day until dismissal - from the first bell to the last.

What This Means for Students

1. Personal communication devices must remain off and stored away from the first bell to start the school day until the dismissal bell. 
   1. Devices include, but are not limited to: 
      • Cell phones
      • Smartwatches
      • Tablets
      • Personal laptops
      • Earbuds/headphones
      • Smart glasses
   2. The school day includes: 
      • Class time
      • Advisory 
      • Lunch and recess
      • Passing periods
2. Devices may never be used in bathrooms, locker rooms, or other rooms where privacy is expected. 
3. In case of emergencies, families can contact the main office, and students will always have access to school phones if they need to reach a parent or guardian.

Exceptions
There are limited exceptions in the law which will be considered by the School District. These include: medical needs such as insulin pumps and glucose sensors, IEPs or Section 504 Plans that require personal devices to access education; or multilingual students with required language access support.  

Before and After School and Extracurricular
The law applies only during the instructional school day.  Personal device use before and after school is allowed, while use during extra-curricular activities is at the discretion of coaches or activity supervisors. 

Next Steps
We understand this change may require an adjustment period. Our school teams will work with students to develop healthy technology habits and ensure consistent enforcement of the policy. Your partnership in reinforcing these expectations at home will make a meaningful difference.

1. School specific information is forthcoming from your child(ren)’s principal in the next week, including disciplinary steps for any student who violates the policy.
2. All Salem School District students can expect dialogue and direction from school staff at the outset of the school year as a means of support in implementing the change in practice. 

Parent Input on School Board Policy
The Salem School Board is in the process of developing district policy to support the new legislation.  Toward that end, parents and guardians are invited to provide input at a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19 in the Johnson Media Center at Salem High School.  

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to ensure our schools are places where students can focus, connect, and grow—free from unnecessary distractions.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. 

Regards,
Maura E. Palmer 
Superintendent