APS Announces Cell Phone Storage Pilot Program at Four Schools

APS is launching a Cell Phone Storage Pilot Program for the 2024-25 school year at four secondary schools, beginning in mid-September. Participating schools are Wakefield High School, H-B Woodlawn (middle school only), Swanson Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School.

This pilot is part of our division-wide commitment to creating a more engaged learning environment and restricting cell phone use in our schools. As part of the pilot, APS will provide students at participating schools with a secure, personally assigned pouch to safely store their phones during the school day.

APS is working in close partnership with the leadership teams of the participating schools to finalize logistics and other details to ensure a successful rollout for all students, staff and families.

Additional information will be shared with pilot schools in the first week of September, during assemblies, grade-level meetings and back-to-school night events. Throughout this process, APS will gather input and provide opportunities for engagement with students, staff and families. Feedback will be used to assess the possible expansion and long-term use of the storage pouches across all schools.

APS is committed to ensuring all students have the best possible learning experience and will support them every step of the way.

More information regarding the timeline and other details will be shared with participating school communities in early September. In the meantime, please contact engage@apsva.us if you have questions or comments.