As we prepare for the 2025–2026 school year, Pelham City Schools has updated its policies to comply with the FOCUS Act (Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety), Alabama's new law which prohibits student use of wireless communication devices—such as cell phones, smart watches, earbuds/headphones, and similar items—during the instructional day. These changes are designed to reduce classroom distractions, improve online safety, and create a more focused learning environment for all students.

What This Means for Students

Students may still bring personal communication devices to school. However, they must be turned off and securely stored away—not kept on their person—during the entire instructional day, including lunch and class transitions. 

We recognize this is a shift from recent practices, where students were sometimes allowed to access personal devices during the school day. Under the new law, that will no longer be permitted. As a result, updated procedures will go into effect at all schools beginning with the 2025–2026 school year. The following guidelines will be in place for communication devices in Pelham City Schools:

• Student cell phones, smartwatches, and other wireless communication devices must be turned off and stored in a locker, car, backpack, purse, pouch, or another designated storage area by the first bell and throughout the instructional day. 

• Students with a flexible schedule or those checking in must store their devices before entering the building.

• Devices may be used after the final dismissal bell.

Violations may result in disciplinary action, as outlined in the Student Cell Phone and Personal Digital Device Use section of the Student Code of Conduct.

Students may only use their devices under the following conditions:

• If it’s pursuant to a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, Individualized Health Plan, or Individualized Accommodation Plan.

• If it’s during an emergency threatening the life or safety of the student or another person.

• If it's used for educational purposes under the direct supervision of school personnel.

We want to ensure families are informed so you can help your student understand the expectations and prepare for a smooth transition to these procedures. Your support in communicating this change will go a long way in helping them get ready for the year ahead.

For details and FAQs about the implementation of the FOCUS Act in our schools, visit https://bit.ly/FOCUSact.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create learning environments that minimize distractions and maximize student focus and success.