Student Technology Guidelines

Technology Guidelines 2025

After a year of thoughtful reflection, meaningful learning, and valuable input from both staff and community members, the Troy School District has developed updated protocols to minimize the distractions caused by personal technology devices at all grade levels.

Our approach has been guided, in part, by insights from 'The Anxious Generation,' which many of our staff and community members have explored together. Our shared goal is to minimize or eliminate the distraction of personal technology—such as cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and personal laptops—from classroom environments to foster greater student engagement and focus. With that said, please note that students will utilize district-provided iPads during instruction, as directed by their teachers.

TSD Personal Technology Guidelines

Personal and Wearable Devices:  We recognize that many of our students will be traveling to school with personal technology devices. Therefore, cell phones, AirPods, and other electronic devices are permitted in the building, but students must follow the guidelines listed below:    

Elementary Guidelines:  The elementary guidelines apply during the school day, on school buses, and at all co-curricular, school-sponsored activities.

• Cell phones and personal devices must remain on silent with all notifications disabled and stored in backpacks or lockers during school hours. No one-way or two-way communication is allowed during the school day; all communication must go through the main office unless approved by a TSD staff member.
• Wearable technology (e.g., Apple Watches, Fitbits) is permitted, but all notifications must be turned off and communication features must be disabled.
• Earbuds/headphones may only be used with permission from a TSD staff member.
• Recording devices are strictly prohibited, in accordance with TSD Board Policy 2006.

Middle School Guidelines

• Cell phones and personal technology may not be used during the school day and must remain out of sight until the end of the school day; this includes passing time and lunch. Students should store their technology in their lockers.
• Personal cell phones may be used in the main office.  

High School Guidelines

• Cell phones and personal technology must be stored in a student’s locker or in their backpack during class time.    

The school district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal technology. Consequences for not following these expectations are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Students will utilize district-provided iPads during instruction at the direction of their teacher. If families need to reach their student(s) during the day, please contact the main office. Students are always welcome to use the telephones in the main office. 

We believe that excellence is best achieved in an environment free from the distractions of personal technology. Thank you for your partnership and continued support as we work to create the most effective learning environment possible for our students.

In partnership,