Dear Scranton Public School Parents and Students,
As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2025–2026 school year, I want to share an important update regarding a new North Dakota state law and how Scranton Public School will follow North Dakota Century Code 15.1-07-41, Personal electronic devices - Prohibition during instructional time.
This spring, the North Dakota Legislature passed a law prohibiting student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during instructional time, defined as the time from the first bell of the school day until the final bell—commonly referred to as “bell to bell.” The goal is to remove unnecessary distractions from the learning environment and promote academic focus and student well-being.
In compliance with this law, and in support of our mission to maintain a positive educational environment, Scranton Public School will require all personal devices (cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, etc.) to be turned off, securely stored, and inaccessible during instructional time. Students may not access their personal devices between classes, during lunch, or recess unless specific exceptions apply (e.g., for medical purposes, school-approved use, or IEP accommodations). The school will provide laptops or IPads to all students K-12.
We recognize this will be an adjustment for many students and families., but our legislature took this action out of the local school board's control and put it into Century Code. Our administrative team has developed procedures and a tiered system of consequences to support consistent enforcement of this state law. These expectations will be reviewed with all students at the beginning of the school year.
Consequences for misuses of electronic devices.
1st Offense - The device will be taken to the principal and returned to the student at the end of the academic day.
2nd Offense - The device will be taken to the principal and the parents(s) or guardian(s) will be contacted and required to pick up the device.
Further Offenses - The device will be taken to the principal and the parents(s) or guardian(s) will be contacted and required to pick up the device and a meeting will be scheduled with the student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) to discuss appropriate usage of devices to establish a plan moving forward which could result in suspension.
We also want to reassure families that students will still be able to contact parents or caregivers during the school day through phones located in the office. We ask that families do not attempt to reach students via text or call during the school day except through the school office. (701) 275-8266
We appreciate your partnership as we implement this policy to prioritize learning, engagement, and well-being for all students. If you have questions or would like further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to school administration.
Sincerely,
Kelly Pierce
Superintendent
Scranton Public School