Beginning the 2025-2026 school year, the use or display of any electronic personal communications device by students, is prohibited from the beginning of the school day until the end of the school day, according to Rockwood School District Policy 2613.
This follows Missouri Senate Bill 68, signed July 9, 2025, that outlaws phones in all public schools across Missouri.
This new policy will ban the use of phones not only in the classroom but also
During
- Breaks
- Time between classes
- Study hall
- Lunch
And in
- Bathrooms
- Locker Rooms
- Or other locations deemed private by the district
However, students will be able to use their phones during an emergency and for medical or educational purposes. According to Rockwood, an emergency is defined as a serious, unexpected and dangerous situation that requires immediate action.
Phones can also be used if given permission from a teacher or administrator for a specific educational purpose.
If a student does not follow the rules listed above, their device can be confiscated and they will be subject to disciplinary action such as lunch detention or suspension.
Q&A with principal Karen Calcaterra
How will teachers and administrators enforce the phone ban?
“There are no cell phones or other personal technology devices allowed from the start of school, 8:21, until 3:17. It’s pretty simple, you just can’t have it and we will be delivering that message,” Calcaterra said.
How will the exception for students using phones for class assignments work?
“There is no exception. Students cannot use phones for class assignments during the school day. Teachers will be looking at new ways of doing things,” Calcaterra said.
How do you believe the new law will affect students at Lafayette?
“I will have to wait and see how it affects students, but I think that for our incoming freshman, this will not be new because they could not have cell phones in middle school. Our freshman will probably have the least amount of adjustments, but I think our students in grades 10, 11 and 12 will have some adjustments to consider as they adhere to the new law,” Calcaterra said.
How should students that need their phones for medical purposes get permission from administration?
“Students that have an approved technology device will work individually with an administrator or nurse, a counselor, or perhaps a special education case manager and those will be determined on an individual basis,” Calcaterra said.
