Cell Phone FAQ
Why did the district’s cell phone policy change?
In spring 2026, Kansas legislators passed a law, and every Kansas school district is now required to ban student access to and use of cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices from “bell to bell.”
What does the cell phone ban include?
Crest students will not be allowed to have or use any personal electronic communication device on any public school campus between the start and end of the school day. In accordance with Kansas law, this includes during lunch and during passing periods. In our district, the school day is:
- 8:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. for high school students
- 8:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. for middle school students
- 7:55 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. for elementary students
What is considered a “personal electronic communication device” under the 2026 Kansas law?
This term is defined in the law to include any wireless electronic communication device that provides for voice, text or video communication between two or more parties. This includes a mobile or cellular phone, tablet, computer, watch, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging device or personal digital assistant, among others. The law does not restrict devices that students use that the school district owns, such as the Macbooks or Chromebooks used in our schools, as in the past. However, these devices will be utilized when directed by instructors and may be housed in classrooms. We strive to provide a traditional learning environment where technology is a tool for postsecondary preparation and career readiness as opposed to the focus of instruction.
What if I need to contact my child during the school day?
Please call or email your child’s school office; the team will be happy to assist you. In urgent situations, messages may be delivered to students during the school day, or the student may be asked to come to the office to use a phone. Otherwise, students will be notified that they have a note to pick up in the office between class periods or after school.
Can students have their phones with them at school if they do not use them?
The law specifies that the phones must be stored securely and away from the student. Students may choose to leave their device(s) at home or locked in their car at school. If they bring them inside, they will be properly stored according to the law.
The district is evaluating options for storage that would provide minimal impact and inconvenience. However, the district is not liable for damage or charging needs for stored devices. That being said - storage plans have NOT been adopted by the Board of Education at this time. Those decisions will be made in the near future with understanding of the new laws. We appreciate your patience as we work to address these different scenarios.
What if my child needs to contact me during the school day?
Students should inform the office if they need help contacting a parent, sibling or caregiver. They are also welcome to stop by the office during a passing period or lunch time to place a phone call or request help getting a message to a parent, sibling or caregiver.
What if my student needs their phone in an emergency?
The law that was passed in Topeka does not provide an exception for emergencies. Rest assured, in an urgent situation or safety concern on campus, information will be sent through School Messenger to all parents, guardians, caregivers and other emergency contacts provided during registration/enrollment. If you have questions about how you will receive these updates or need to update your contact information, please call or email your child’s school office for assistance.
Why will the Crest Board of Education adopt new and updated policies?
According to the 2026 law, every Kansas school board is required to adopt and update board policies to explain how the new law will be implemented locally. Our student handbooks will also have new policies to explain these changes for students and families.
What if my student has a medical issue that requires them to use a device?
The law grants an exception for students who need their device to manage a health issue, such as checking blood sugar. Parents are asked to contact the school if their child has a medical need.
What if a student has another special need that requires the use of a device?
Our district policy (when completed) will provide an exception for students who need a device as an accommodation during the school day, if their IEP, Medical Plan or 504 Plan requires it as assistive technology for medically or educationally necessary purposes.
