District 300’s new cellphone, electronic device restrictions go into effect this week

Algonquin-based Community Unit School District 300 students returned to school this week to a new policy limiting the use of cellphones, earbuds, headphones and other electronic devices during school hours.

“Our goal is simple: Reduce distractions so students can focus, learn and build strong relationships at school,” a District 300 social media post said.

Marizol Reyna, who walked her daughter, Naomi, to Carpentersville Middle School, said she embraced the new policy.

“I think it’s a good idea because they get distracted by their cellphones sometimes,” Reyna said. “Sometimes, they are on their phones and not paying attention in class.”

Her daughter didn’t seem to have an issue with locking her cellphone in a plastic bag during school hours, she said.

“She didn’t complain about it,” said Reyna, whose younger son, Don, was starting his first day of pre-K classes at DeLacey Family Education Center, also in Carpentersville.

District 300 officials did not respond to questions about the policy.

The school board decided in January to ban personal electronic devices during the day beginning this school year. The ban is similar to the one adopted by School District U-46.

It’s also similar to a new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker that goes into effect at all schools statewide in the 2027-28 academic year.

District 300 opted to enact its policy a year earlier. All personal electronic devices, including non-district-issued laptops and tablets, smartwatches, smart glasses, and video and audio recording equipment, are governed by restrictions.

For students in kindergarten through eighth grade, no devices can be used while students are in school.

High school students can use them during lunch and passing periods, according to the new policy.

Middle school and high school students will receive a lockable case for their devices, which they will keep and reuse every year.

Parents or guardians who need to reach their child during the school day can contact the school’s main office. District 300 will allow students to use phones to reach parents in emergencies.

If a student has a phone out during the school day, they will be asked to put it away. If they refuse to do so, the device will be confiscated and a parent notified. Further violations will result in disciplinary action per district policies.

Jennie Lezama, who accompanied her 5-year-old son, Joseph, to the bus for his first day of kindergarten, said she supports the device ban for lower grade levels.

“I don’t think kids under high school age should have a phone anyway,” Lezama said. “It’s just my opinion. … Technology is good to a certain point, but it’s also a poison to our kids because they are getting involved in things they should never know at certain ages.”

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.