Dear Perkins-Tryon Families and Students,
As I mentioned in my Superintendent Newsletter in May, the Oklahoma legislators recently passed a new law (SB139) that will prohibit students across the state from using their cell phones and other personal electronic devices while on campus during school day. As required by law, the P-T Board of Education recently updated and approved Board Policy FNG to meet this new mandate.
What the Law Requires:
•For the 2025-2026 school year, each school district Board of Education shall adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices while on campus of a public school district from BELL-TO-BELL unless for medical needs.
•For the 2026-2027 school year and beyond, continue enforcement is optional, and more local control is given to each Board of Education.
•The law addresses use, not possession and goes into effect July 1, 2025.
What P-T Board of Education Policy (FNG) States: FNG Policy Link
•Use of personal electronic devices is prohibited by students on school campus from BELL TO BELL (start to end of the instructional day, including lunch and passing).
•Includes any personal electronic device that can connect to a smartphone, internet, cellular/Wi-Fi, or similar device (smart watches, smart headphones, tablets, smart glasses, etc.)
•Does not include school-issued or school-approved instructional devices.
What Students Should Know:
•Devices must be out of sight and turned off during school hours and remain powered off during class change, restroom and lunch breaks, and assemblies.
•Repeated violations will result in disciplinary consequences as outlined in the Student Handbook.
•Bringing a phone or electronic device is a personal choice. Perkins-Tryon is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Ultimately, the purpose of this law is to protect instructional time and help students learn by minimizing distractions during the school day. We understand it will be a big challenge for everyone but hope we can work together to provide the best possible learning environment for our students.
Sincerely,
Doug Ogle
P-T Superintendent