New Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy Reminder

In February 2026, Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 were signed into law stating that Michigan school districts must create action plans that keep devices away during class, with exceptions for emergencies and academic use. The Berkley Schools administrative team has reviewed the law and has implemented the following parameters starting with the 2026-27 school year.

• Elementary: All personal electronic communication devices must be away for the entire day, including smart watches. All devices must be stored in backpacks or a phone caddy in the classroom.
• Middle School: All personal electronic devices must be away for the day, including lunch. All devices must be stored in each classroom phone caddy during class time, and not be in use during passing and lunch times.
• High School: All personal electronic devices must be away during class time and stored in each classroom’s phone caddy during instruction.

In addition, students are required to to leave their personal iPads and laptops at home and use the District-issued Chromebooks for their school work. This change secures the District’s cyber network, and makes student and staff electronic data safer.