Cell Phones

As DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee recently announced, DCPS will implement a district-wide phone policy starting in August for School Year 2025-2026. With this new policy, our school will adopt and continue to enforce a cell phone-free environment during the entire school day including before care and after care.

This means that students will not be permitted to use their cell phones or personal electronic communication devices during the school day, with limited exceptions. To help set students' and caregivers' expectations for our return to school this month, I want to share our plan for executing this new policy at J.O. Wilson.

Storage: Students will secure their device by powering it off and placing it inside (their backpack or bag/or school locker) for the entire school day. School staff will remind students of the policy and ensure that students have securely stowed their devices each day. Please note that students will not be allowed to carry their devices in their pockets. If a student does not bring their bag/backpack/lockable pouch to school, their devices will be stored in a secure location within our main office, security desk, etc. and returned at the end of the school day. As a reminder, we are not responsible for lost or misplaced devices.

Retrieval: Following the conclusion of the school day at, when students are fully dismissed from school, students may take out their devices and power them back on for use. Please note that afterschool programs and athletic teams may also have restrictions on student cell phone use.

Expectations: Students will be expected to adhere to this policy throughout the bell-to-bell school day. Failure to cooperate could result in disciplinary action in accordance with the DCPS Safe and Positive Schools Policy.

I recognize this will be an adjustment for our school community, and I would like to take a moment to affirm our commitment to effective communication with families. In the event that an emergency causes a change in our school’s operating status, such as an evacuation, alert, or lockdown, we receive support from the DCPS Central Services Operations Communications Team so that we can focus on the immediate safety of our students and staff. The Operations Communications Team works across district operations and security to provide accurate and timely messaging to families via the centrally managed message platform, Finalsite (previously named Blackboard). If you need to get in contact with your student during the school day, please call the main office at (202) 698-4733.

I appreciate your partnership as we ensure a school environment where our students are focused on learning, classroom engagement, and building positive relationships with their peers and educators. Our scholars will continue to utilize school-issued devices and technology to supplement their learning experiences. If you have any questions, please call the main office at (202) 698-4733 or email me at mitchell.brunson@k12.dc.gov Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Mitchell V. Brunson
Principal, J.O. Wilson ES