New for the 2025-26 school year: City Schools has updated its policy on the use of portable electronic communication devices, such as cell phones, in schools. Under the policy, students may bring devices to school, but they must be powered off, away, and secured during the school day.
These and other changes will take effect on the first day of school, so please be prepared.
Instructional uses - Students should use City Schools-issued devices whenever possible for instructional purposes. Teachers must receive principal approval each time they want students to use their personal devices for instructional purposes.
Emergencies - In the event of a school-wide emergency, students can access their devices when a school administrator or Central Office staff member permits them. Additionally, in the event of a personal emergency, students are able to use a school phone and/or their device to contact a parent or guardian.
Communication during the school day - Students who have a legitimate caregiving or other personal need will be given reasonable access to their devices and/or a school phone.
Parents or guardians who need to contact their student should call their student’s school. Under the updated policy, schools will have a plan in place for responding to parent or guardian phone calls and relaying important messages to students.
Special considerations - Students with documented medical conditions, IEPs, 504 Plans, or Multilingual Learner Plans requiring device access will be accommodated
Learn more about the new rules regarding portable electronic communication devices, such as cell phones, at www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/cell-phone-policy.