APS Technology Information
2025-2026 Altenburg Public School Device Policy
Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, all phones, smart watches, and personal electronic devices must be turned off and stored in the school office during the school day. Devices will be returned at the end of your child’s on-campus school day, which includes any school-sponsored after-school activities such as clubs, tutoring, or after school care classes.
Why the Change?
This update is in response to a new Missouri law (Senate Bill 1481) requiring schools to have a clear, consistent policy on the possession and use of personal electronic devices during school hours. While our previous policy already required devices to be off and stored in backpacks, we are changing the location to the school office to better comply with the law, reduce distractions, and maintain a focused learning environment.
What About Emergencies?
Parents can always contact the school office if they need to reach their child during the school day. Students will still have access to a school phone in urgent situations.
Smart Watches
Smart watches are included in this policy. Because they can send and receive messages, access the internet, and cause the same distractions as phones, they must be stored in the office or left at home.
Leaving Devices at Home
We strongly encourage families to consider having students leave devices at home whenever possible. We recognize that some parents may want their child to have a phone for safety reasons after leaving campus. In those cases, the phone must be checked into the office upon arrival at school and will be returned at dismissal.
Responsibility for Devices
While the school will make every effort to keep devices safe, parents should be aware that they assume the risk if a device is lost or damaged while in our care.
Our Goal
We want students to be present, engaged, and ready to learn. By reducing device use during the school day, we can help create an environment that supports academic success, social connection, and personal growth.
Helpful Links
Internet Safety Pledges and Chromebook Agreement
Electronic Device Policy
The inappropriate use of personal cell phones or other digital devices by students while on campus is subject to disciplinary action. Students may not share or post personal information about or images of any other student or staff member. The inappropriate use of cameras or electronic communication devices includes but is not limited to the following examples.
Cameras or electronic communication devices shall not be used:
• in areas where one would reasonably expect privacy, i.e. locker rooms, bathrooms, etc.
• to communicate test answers, photograph tests, or in any way enable students to cheat.
• to engage in cyber-bullying – placing cell phone calls or sending text messages that ridicule, threaten or harass another student.
The inappropriate use of the Internet, personal cell phones, and other digital devices by students while off campus is subject to disciplinary action if engaging in cyber bullying or maintaining or posting material to a website or blogging that threatens a likelihood of disruption in school or results in disruption in school. Also, students involved in activities that interfere with the rights of other students to participate fully in school or extracurricular activities will be in violation of this policy.
Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action which may include: revocation of District technology use privileges; application of school disciplinary practices and procedures; notification of law enforcement officials; notification of parents/guardians or legal custodians; notification of the activities director and/or co-curricular coaches/advisors; suspension from school; recommendation for expulsion. Unauthorized items may be confiscated and held by school officials for return to parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student, retained for disciplinary reasons, or turned over to law enforcement officers.