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Dear Bethel Students, Families, and Staff,
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent cell phone policy survey or attended one of our community input sessions. We are grateful to be part of such a thoughtful and supportive community that clearly cares about the wellbeing of our students.
This is a follow-up message to our July 25 and August 6 communications. In this update, you’ll find:
Background: why this change is happening statewide and in Bethel What we heard: input from families, students, and staff The policy: what devices are included and what the rules mean for students Communication, safety procedures & special accommodations Next steps
Background & Community Input
Personal electronic devices—like cell phones and smartwatches—have increasingly become a concern in schools, contributing to classroom distractions and impacting student mental health. In response, the State of Oregon issued Executive Order 25-09, requiring all public schools to limit student use of personal devices during the school day, including lunch and passing periods.
In Bethel, we’ve taken time to listen before finalizing our approach. Through three community meetings and a districtwide survey, we heard from hundreds of families, staff, and students. Most expressed concern about the impact of devices on mental health and learning, while also raising important questions about communication, safety, and student accommodations.
This feedback has directly shaped our plan, ensuring the policy is implemented with care, consistency, and student well-being at the center.
Bethel School District: Personal Electronic Device Policy
In September, our Bethel school board will be adopting a policy that complies with Executive Order 25-09. This policy will specify that all students on Bethel School District campuses will be free of personal electronic devices. This applies to all hours from the first bell to the final bell, and includes all campus areas, including classrooms, hallways, locker rooms, restrooms, cafeteria, libraries, and playgrounds.
This will be a district-wide policy that applies to all campuses, covering cell phones, earbuds, and smartwatches during the entire school day—including lunch, recess, and passing periods. While expectations will be consistent, schools will tailor implementation based on age, developmental needs, and site-specific safety protocols. Students and staff will receive clear communication about what this looks like at their school.
What is included in the policy?
The policy will cover all personal electronic devices, including but not limited to: Cell phones, smart watches, wireless headphones and earbuds, or any other device capable of connecting to the internet.
What are the Exceptions?
What you need to know
Day-to-day communication
We understand that families need to connect with their students throughout the school day—whether it’s about a dentist appointment or something more urgent. Each school will have clear communication protocols in place, and our front office staff will ensure families can get messages to students promptly and efficiently.
Safety and emergency response procedures will be followed
Many people shared concerns about not being able to communicate during a school emergency. School safety is always our top priority, which is why we rely on trained staff and follow clear safety protocols. In a crisis, we need students to focus on trusted adults who help them navigate the immediate situation. Communication with families during an emergency will happen via our Parent Square system which allows for text and email communications. We highly encourage caregivers to make sure that they have provided the school with up to date contact information so they can receive Parent Square messages.
In addition to these communication protocols, Bethel’s emergency response systems are strong and continually improving. Recent enhancements include:
Secure entry vestibules and locking exterior doors New gates and security cameras Emergency buttons in school offices and classrooms Annual staff safety trainings Close partnership with Eugene Police Department and our dedicated Youth Services Officer, Officer Trevizo
Supports for Students with 504 Plans, IEPs, or medical needs will continue
We remain committed to ensuring that all students receive the accommodations and support they need. If a student has an IEP, 504 Plan, or medical necessity that could be impacted by this policy, those supports will be reviewed and honored in collaboration with families and staff.
Next Steps
In the coming days, each school will share specific details about how this policy will be implemented at their site. This will include:
A clear rollout timeline and what to expect during the first few weeks School-specific expectations and procedures for storing or managing devices How staff will support students in adjusting to the change Information about how the policy will be enforced and what disciplinary steps may look like if needed
While the policy will be consistent districtwide, each school will tailor its approach to best support its students and families.
Ongoing Feedback and Adjustment
This is a significant change, and we know the first few weeks may take some adjustment. The data show that similar policies in other districts have led to stronger focus in class, improved learning, and better student mental health and social-emotional well-being. We believe our students deserve the same.
In Bethel, our commitment is to create relevant, responsive, and joyful learning environments where every student can thrive. Limiting personal devices during the school day is one way we can remove barriers and give students more space for connection, engagement, and belonging.
We’ll continue checking in with students, families, and staff as this policy rolls out to ensure it’s working as intended and to make adjustments where needed. Thank you for your partnership and support as we take this important step forward—we’re confident this change will help every student succeed.
Dan Hedberg
Director of Secondary Education
Bethel School District
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