The Detroit Lakes School Board has approved significant changes to the student handbooks for the 2024-25 school year, particularly concerning cellphones, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices.
**Elementary and Middle Schools**:
– Students at Rossman and Roosevelt Elementary Schools and Detroit Lakes Middle School will be required to put away their cellphones and smartwatches at the start of the school day. These devices must remain out of sight until the end of the day.
**High School**:
– At Detroit Lakes High School and the Area Learning Center, students in grades 9-12 will be allowed to use their devices only during non-instructional times, such as between classes and lunch. During class, students will place their devices in a designated “phone caddy” until the class is dismissed.
These new policies aim to minimize distractions and enhance the learning environment. The updated student handbooks, including these changes, are expected to receive final approval at the next school board meeting on August 27.