Earlier this year, the Arizona Legislature passed a new law requiring schools to implement limitations on student access to the internet and the use of wireless communication devices. As such, the WESD would like to remind students, staff and families that student access to the internet, social media platforms and wireless communication devices will be restricted during the school day. These limitations apply during instructional time as well as during meals, passing periods and recess. WESD students may only access the internet through district-vetted and approved websites and applications, and only on school-provided devices (Chromebooks).

WESD provides students with district-issued technology (Chromebooks) that meets all instructional needs; therefore, there is no instructional reason for students to use personal wireless communication devices during the school day. As such, student cell phones, smart watches and any other personal wireless device must be turned off and put away from the time they arrive on campus until dismissal.

There are exceptions for students with 504 plans or IEPs who require a wireless communication device for a documented medical condition. Additionally, students are permitted to use a personal device in the event of an emergency, however, they are encouraged to notify school staff of the emergency first. Students are permitted to ask a teacher for permission to use the school office phone to contact a parent during the school day. We also ask parents and guardians not to disrupt instructional time with non-emergency communication by calling the school office to relay messages or to send a message to the teacher using our new platform, ParentSquare.

For more information, please contact your school.