Personal Devices
Personal devices covered in this policy include cell phones, smart watches, air pods and other Bluetooth devices, personal laptops and tablets, etc.
The school understands that many students have cell phones and/or smart watches. Such devices are in many cases crucial to communicate with family and friends, especially when traveling to and from school. Cell phones may, therefore, be brought to school. Students must be aware that the school’s Código de conducta applies to technology use at school, including on personal devices.
At both campuses of Washington Latin, all students turn in their cell phones, smart watches, tablet computers (iPad, Kindle, etc.), and headphones/earbuds at the outset of each school day upon entry to the building. Devices are locked and secured during the school day and returned at the end of the day.
If you need to contact your child with an important message, please call the campus front office. We will relay the message to your child. Likewise, students may use a school phone to contact their families as needed.
This policy represents our commitment to limit the distractions phones and other screens represent for our students. We aim to reduce the potential for off-task behavior during the school day and advocate for consistent, tech-free interaction and engagement among students. With this policy, we are fostering students’ ability to seek the conversation, build community, and focus on their academic endeavors with fewer distractions and without the potentially damaging effects of social media throughout the school day.
