Each school has updated its cell phone procedures for students for the 2025-26 school year. For more details by level, see the relevant WPS student handbook.
Wellesley High School
Our objective is to create a school community where students are present and engaged in a healthy and rigorous learning environment to become better problem solvers, collaborators, communicators, and life-long learners. We want to preserve the learning environment in academic spaces, including classrooms (classes and directed research) and the library.
In academic spaces, students will turn their phones on silent and place them in the classroom’s designated space. Any other technology that could be a distraction to learning such as headphones and smartwatches must be out of sight at all times – in your bag. Phones will remain in the designated area for the entirety of the class period. Any appropriate use of technology will be determined by the individual teacher. Students found to be misusing their cell phone or devices during this time (gaming, texting, social media, etc) will lose the privilege.
The unauthorized filming (video/picture) or recording of a student or staff member is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
See the WHS student handbook for more information including disciplinary actions.
Parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to refrain from texting students during the school day. In the event of a family emergency, please contact the student’s house office or the main office so we can help you reach your student.
Wellesley Middle School
Entry to Exit: Yondr Pouches During the School Day
All students entering the building will be required to place their smart devices in a locked pouch for the entirety of the school day. WMS will supply each student with a Yondr pouch in which their smart devices will be stored. Smart devices include phones and watches. Students will be responsible for taking care of their assigned pouches. They will also be responsible for using the pouches to store their devices throughout the school day. Pouches can be kept in student backpacks or lockers.
Previously, the school policy was that cell phones needed to be off and put away and not used while in school. However, having phones accessible (i.e., in student backpacks they carried), made the task challenging. Many students kept their phones in their pockets, and they were distracted by them. Staff found it increasingly difficult to engage with students who did not want to give up their phones. Discipline related to cell phone use increased both inside and outside of the classrooms. Additionally, social media issues between students continues to occupy a space where learning should be happening.
At the middle school, we believe that an “entry to exit” strategy will serve students best. The Wellesley Education Foundation has generously provided funding for the Yondr pouches. We are confident that our new policy will make a difference in student learning.
As always, students have the option not to bring smart devices to school and/or parents can wait to buy them.
Benefits of Yondr Pouches
In conversations with neighboring MA middle schools, proven benefits of Yondr pouches include:
- More social interaction between students
- Better student & teacher relationships
- Fewer distractions to learning
Grades PreK-5
For reasons of distraction, safety, and security, we recommend that smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other electronic devices be left at home. If they are brought to school, they must be put away in backpacks during the school day, unless specified in a student’s health plan, IEP, or 504 plan. These items are not considered “put away” if they are in the pockets of jackets, coats, or pants. Please note, the district is not liable for loss or damage to any smart device brought to school.
Parents/caregivers wishing to reach students during school hours must call the main office and leave a message for the student. Text messaging during the school day is prohibited and not allowed even between the student and a parent/caregiver. In addition, taking pictures, recording videos or recording conversations without consent at any time during the school day is strictly prohibited.
In the event that a student’s cell phone or any other electronic device is visible during the school day, the phone or device will be confiscated and kept in the office. For the first offense, the student may pick up the item at the end of the school day. After the first infraction, the device will be confiscated and a parent will have to retrieve it from the office. Discipline for repeated violations will be at the discretion of the Principal.
More Information
In all cases, documentation will be required for any student requesting access to a mobile device for medical reasons or as an accommodation. The district is not liable for loss or damage to any smart device brought to school.
See the April 30, 2025 report of the Cell Phone Working Group.
For the WPS District Acceptable Use Policy – Technology, please refer to SECTION 4 in this handbook, “District Policies, Legal Rights and Responsibilities.”