July 28, 2025
Dear Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School Families,
We want to make you aware of new statewide legislation, Education Code 48901.7 (effective July 1, 2026), that requires all school districts to adopt policies limiting or prohibiting the use of smartphones by students during the school day. The purpose of this new law is to promote learning environments that support student well-being and minimize distractions from instructional time.
In response, IVCMS will continue our practice of student cell phones being placed in assigned classroom pocket charts at the start of each class and remaining for the entire period. Students also have the option of leaving their cell phones in their assigned locker. Students are permitted to use personal cell phones before and after school, at break, and during lunch.
As we move forward, we are committed to involving students, families, and staff in this process. We will actively seek feedback to understand how these procedures are working and refine them based on the needs and concerns of our school community. Your input will be essential in helping us shape policies that are responsive and equitable.
We also want to be transparent about an important consideration: While we will take reasonable steps to secure student phones during the day, the district cannot assume liability for any phones that are lost, stolen, or damaged as part of this process. We understand that this may be a concern for families, and please know that we are taking this responsibility seriously. Our goal is to implement procedures that prioritize student safety, safeguard property to the greatest extent possible, and create a culture that supports learning.
We appreciate your partnership and understanding as we undertake this important work. Additional details about our procedures and opportunities for input will be shared in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Petitt
Principal, Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School
