Cell Phone Policy

On April 28, 2024, the Ontario Ministry of Education released an updated version of PPM 128 - The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct - with an implementation date of September 1, 2024. This document provides guidance for School Board Policy on the enforcement and restrictions regarding student use of personal mobile devices. As it pertains to the Lambton Kent District School Board and Gregory Drive Public School, students in Grade 8 or below MAY NOT use a cellphone at school during the school day, including nutrition breaks, except under the following circumstances:

for educational purposes as directed by an educator
for health or medical purposes
to support special education needs

If a student brings a cellphone to school, it is an expectation that the phone be turned off or put on silent, and stored out of view e.g., backpack, locker, etc. for the duration of the school day. Students can utilize their teacher or the office for safe storage if required. If an educator sees a mobile device that is not stored out of view, they must discuss with the student and/or ask for it to be handed in for the day. The cell phone will be stored in a safe location in the office for the duration of the school day. In the instance that a student does not follow the school’s cellphone expectations, the school will make contact with the student’s parents or guardians to notify them of the student’s actions and to work together to resolve the issue.