Our priority is the education and wellbeing of our students above all else. For this reason, Tolt Middle School will return to our previous phone free school policy for the 2024-25 school year. We recommend leaving personal electronics at home for security. If brought to school, phones must be turned off and stored out of sight and not on their person while students are on campus, 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Technology has undoubtedly changed the landscape of parenting and education. It has created many opportunities, as well as unprecedented challenges. For students, it has sparked a mental health crisis, fractured attention spans, and contributed to a wave of learning and social emotional deficiencies.
 
As educators, we strive to impact the lives of our students in positive ways. Providing a healthy community where students can learn the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to transition to healthy, happy, and thriving adults has always been at the core of our school community and our role as educators.
 
Phones have impaired our ability to provide a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all students where learning, focus, safety, community, and belonging are prioritized. The presence of personal devices such as cell phones, earbuds, and smartwatches has undermined the educational experience and the core values we strive to uphold.
 
Our jobs have been, and always will be, to put the education and wellbeing of our students above all else. For this reason, Tolt Middle School will return to our previous phone free school policy for the 2024-25 school year. We recommend leaving personal electronics at home for security. If brought to school, phones must be turned off and stored out of sight and not on their person while students are on campus, 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
 
We strongly believe that returning to our phone free policy will bring positive classroom changes such as increased focus, attention, comprehension, engagement, less cheating and improved academic performance. Additionally, our school will experience enhanced face-to-face peer interactions, reduced cyberbullying, fewer fights, and a decrease in social media-induced drama. Students will also experience less stress and anxiety.
 
Attached please find our phone-free policy. We know you may have some questions or concerns, so we are including important information that will help make this a smooth transition and ease any concern you may have. We also understand that there will be situations when you need to contact your child during the school day. Parents and guardians can call the main office at 425-844-4600 to have a message delivered to their student. Please note there are also exceptions for students that require a cell phone for medical needs.
 
We are excited to move forward with this shared mission to provide the best educational experience possible for our students. As parents and guardians, you are a vital piece of our community, and we look forward to working together to create the healthy academic and social environment all our students deserve.