In effect July 1, 2025, Utah has implemented a new law, SB 178, that prohibits students from using cell phones, smartwatches, or other emerging technologies during classroom hours in public schools, according to the Utah Legislature (.gov). This law aims to reduce distractions and improve focus in the classroom, with individual districts having the flexibility to create more or less restrictive policies. In accordance with this law, the East Midvale Elementary will abide to the following device policy
Personal technology devices (i.e. cell phones, gaming devices, smart watches, tablets, earbuds/headphones, etc.) should not be used during the school day. All devices need to remain in the student’s backpack or teacher’s provided area. All devices need to remain turned off during the school day. If a parent/guardian needs to communicate with their student, please contact the front office or communicate through Parent Square.
If a student is having difficulty following this policy, the teacher or administrator will take the personal electronic device to the office for safekeeping. For the first two offenses, a student can pick up the device from the office at the end of the day. After the third offense, a parent/guardian will be contacted and the phone will be in the office for the parent/guardian to pick up.
Please note: All personal electronic devices are brought to school at the students own risk. Neither the school nor district is liable for loss or damage.