Grades Fifth through Eighth
To maintain a safe physical learning environment, the administrative leadership team, along with the Middle School instructional team, has revised the electronics device policy for Middle School scholars. This decision was driven by the data present in the city of Philadelphia as well as in the Stearne school, which shows that problems escalate throughout the day through the use of electronic devices and social media communication throughout the instructional program. The procedures below will take place effective immediately upon your Scholars return on August 25, 2025.
All electronic devices are to be turned in to Scholars homeroom teachers at the beginning of each School day. This is inclusive of cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches. Facilitators will label each item and store them in a secure area inside of the classroom until the conclusion of the day. Scholars will have their electronic devices distributed back to them during afternoon advisory before their dismissal for the day. their electronic devices to remain powered off until they exit the school building. If a scholar has an early dismissal, the front office or climate team member will communicate directly with the facilitator to ensure the electronic device is returned before their early dismissal.
Any scholar found in violation of the electronic device policy will receive consequences from the climate team lead or School administration up to and including after-school detention, meeting with parents, or out-of-school suspension which will be provided at the discretion of the administration. violation of the electronic device policy will also automatically count as a strike against all eighth-grade scholars and their end-of-the-year celebrations. The first time an electronic device is confiscated from a student, it will be returned to a parent/guardian – only at the conclusion of the next school day. The secondtime a student has an electronic device confiscated, it will not be returned to a parent/guardian until the last day of school. This is current school district policy.
Grades Kindergarten through Fourth
Cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronics are not permitted in school. If you have any of these items in school the expectation is they are powered off while in school. If an adult sees a student with a cell phone or other electronic devices during the school day, it will be confiscated. The first time an electronic device is confiscated it will be returned to the student at the conclusion of that school day. The second time an electronic device is confiscated from a student, it will be returned to a parent/guardian – only at the conclusion of the next school day. The third time a student has an electronic device confiscated, it will not be returned to a parent/guardian until the last day of school. This is Allen M. Stearne School policy supported by the School District of Philadelphia
NOTE: IF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE IS CONFISCATED DURING A CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IT WILL NOT BE RETURNED. (SEE SCHOOL DISTRICT CODE OF CONDUCT) Parents will be asked to sign off on this Policy every school year to guarantee that everyone is aware of the policy so there is no dispute when/if an electronic device is taken from a student. (This policy will be upheld even if the form is not signed)
Picking up confiscated cell phones/electronics
- Cell phones, smart watches, and /or electronics cannot be picked up the same day they are confiscated.
- The main office will be available for cell phones and /or electronics returns between the hours of 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM Monday through Friday.
- Cell phones, smart watches, and /or electronics will not be released to students. Parents or legal guardians are required to pick up cell phones and /or electronics, these items will not be released to students.