Lake County Gazette

Collinsville CUSD #10 has announced changes to its student handbook for the 2025-26 school year, focusing on a revised cell phone policy. These changes, recommended by district administration and approved by the Board of Education on May 19, 2025, aim to foster a more focused and respectful learning environment.

The updated handbook will be available on the district website and shared with families during student registration. Due to significant changes regarding student cell phone and personal electronic device use, the district is sharing this information early to allow families time to discuss expectations before the school year begins on August 11.

"Research shows that limiting personal electronic device use during instructional time helps foster a more focused, engaging, and respectful learning environment," said Superintendent Mark B. Skertich.

The updated policy seeks to maximize learning and minimize distractions while encouraging in-person interactions and building community within schools.

Personal electronic devices include cell phones, smartphones, headphones, earbuds, smart glasses (e.g., Meta A), recording devices, iPods, iPads, PDAs, laptops, tablets, or similar technology.

Under the new policy:

- **Collinsville High School (CHS):**

Devices must be powered off and out of sight during all instructional time,

passing periods, and in academic areas including study halls.

Permitted use before the 7:40 AM bell and during a student’s assigned lunch

period in the cafeteria or cafeteria patio.

School-issued Chromebooks may be used in class as directed by teachers.

Headphones/earbuds are not allowed during the school day.

- **Middle School\, Intermediate\, and Elementary Schools:**

Devices must be powered off and out of sight from the moment students enter

the building until they leave.

No device use is allowed during the school day including lunch or recess.

Students must use office phones to contact parents during school hours.

Headphones/earbuds are not allowed during the school day.

Consequences for policy violations will be determined case-by-case and may include parent/guardian notification, disciplinary conferences, loss of privileges (no refund), temporary removal from class, restrictions from school grounds/events confiscation or restitution for damages in-school suspension confiscation and temporary retention of the device loss of bus privileges

"We strongly encourage families to talk with their student(s) about these expectations now," said Skertich. "Our goal is to support students'' academic success well-being positive social interactions "

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out your child’s building principal Have safe enjoyable summer