Montezuma-Cortez High School is tightening enforcement of its school-day cell phone policy for the new academic year, requiring students to turn in their devices at the beginning of the day and again after lunch.
The change comes as Colorado schools implement a new statewide requirement governing student communication devices. House Bill 25-1135 required school boards and charter schools to adopt, implement and publicly post policies addressing student possession and use of cellphones and other communication devices by July 1.
The state law does not establish a uniform cellphone ban or prescribe how devices must be stored. Instead, districts and schools determine their own restrictions and exceptions, including provisions for medical needs, disability accommodations and emergencies.
M-CHS already had restrictions under Montezuma-Cortez School District policy JICJ. In a letter to families, Principal Jennifer Boniface said the policy remains mostly the same, but the school has tightened its procedures to improve enforcement.
Students in grades nine through 12 may use their phones during lunch. At all other times during the school day, personal devices must be turned off and stored in locked phone caddies inside classrooms.
Students will place their phones in the caddies at the beginning of the school day and retrieve them at a designated time before lunch. After lunch, students will return their devices to the caddies until the end of the day. Students without a first-hour or fifth-hour class will secure their phones in the school office.
In letters sent to students and families, Principal Jennifer Boniface said the policy is intended to reduce classroom distractions and give students more opportunities to participate in lessons and interact with classmates face to face.
The school also cited concerns about cheating, cyberbullying, social media conflicts, inappropriate recordings and anxiety associated with constant access to smartphones.
“This policy is not about punishment,” the student letter said. “It is about giving you the best opportunity to learn, build friendships, and enjoy your high school experience.”
Students who do not turn in their phones or refuse to surrender them when directed will be subject to the school’s progressive discipline process.
Possible consequences include confiscating the device until a parent or guardian can retrieve it, holding a parent conference, removing school privileges or suspending students. Repeated violations could lead to additional disciplinary action.
The school also addressed concerns from families who may want to contact students during an emergency.
Every classroom and office at M-CHS has a telephone, according to the letters, and parents may contact the school when they need to reach a student. Staff members can then relay the message.
During a school-wide emergency, students will be allowed to contact their families when administrators and emergency responders determine it is safe to do so. The school asked families not to overwhelm students with calls or text messages during an emergency, saying heavy phone traffic could spread misinformation, increase panic and interfere with emergency communications.
Boniface said the broader goal is to create classrooms where students are more focused and connected to the people around them.
“Our goal isn’t to take something away from you,” the student letter said. “Our goal is to give you something better: more meaningful learning, stronger friendships, fewer distractions, and a school environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”
