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February 13, 2026

GLPS Families,

I hope you are enjoying the first day of a long weekend. Our staff was hard at work today, engaging in their own professional learning and collaboration around a variety of topics, including literacy instruction, best practices, and student supports. I am very proud of the work our team does to ensure that we are creating the best possible learning environment for our students across the district, and each of our professional learning days is another opportunity for all staff in our district to learn, grow, and improve.

Speaking of learning environment, Governor Whitmer signed an education-related bill into law this week, as she signed the bipartisan House Bill 4141. This bill requires all school districts to develop K-12 policy around the use of cell phones and electronic devices in the classroom by the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Fortunately, GLPS already has such policies in place. The language in our handbooks is as follows (follow the link to the handbooks to view the complete policy and consequences for violating it):

Elementary Schools (Policy on Page 15)

The use of cell phones, smart watches, or any other ECD are prohibited to be used during the school day.  It is recognized that some students may need access to these devices for transportation purposes after school and are therefore permitted after dismissal.  During school, however, cell phones, smart watches, and other ECDs shall be turned off and stored away out of sight.   If you are concerned that an electronic device might be stolen, broken or inappropriately used, please do not allow your student to bring it to school.

Hayes Intermediate (Policy on Page 27)

Students are prohibited from using cell phones or other electronic communication devices (ECD) once they enter the building for the school day. “Using” refers to making/receiving calls, text messaging, videotaping, picture taking, audio recording or using the ECD for any other purpose. Cell phones and ECDs shall be turned off and stored away out of sight at all times during the school day. Students are strictly prohibited from using cell phones and other ECDs in restrooms. The use of cell phones or ECDs in an unauthorized manner or in violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, depending on the nature of the prohibited activity and/or whether it is a repeat offense by that student.

Beagle Middle School (Policy on Page 30)

Students are prohibited from using cell phones or other electronic communication devices (ECD) once they enter the building for the school day. “Using” refers to making/receiving calls, text messaging, videotaping, picture taking, audio recording or using the ECD for any other purpose. Cell phones and ECDs shall be turned off and stored away out of sight at all times during the school day. Students are strictly prohibited from using cell phones and other ECDs in locker rooms or restrooms. Cell phones and ECDs may not be “ON” or otherwise used in locker rooms or restrooms whether here or at another school district where a school activity or athletic event is taking place. 

The use of cell phones or ECDs in an unauthorized manner or in violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, depending on the nature of the prohibited activity and/or whether it is a repeat offense by that student.

GLHS (Policy on Pages 8-9)

Cell phones or other electronic communication devices cannot be out or used during class/instructional time. Cell phone use includes all functions, such as cameras, text and calling functions, games, social media, video streaming, apps, etc. Cell phones are not to be used as replacements for in-class school work requiring Chromebooks. Instructional time is considered across the building from when the bell rings to start the instructional hour/period until the bell rings to complete the hour/period. So, students are unable to use cell phones in the hallways while class is in session. Non-class or non-instructional times include before and after school, lunches, passing times, and after-hours school events. Students must adhere to responsible cell phone usage at all school school times to ensure that cell phones are not used for harassment, recording assaults, intimidations, instigation, cheating, or other inappropriate behavior.

Cell phone use is strictly prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, or other changing areas at all times. Unauthorized recording or picture-taking is prohibited a t all times.

Earbuds are not allowed to be worn during class unless a staff member has provided a learning activity involving sound from the Chromebooks. Alternative devices, such as smartwatches, can be worn but will violate the cell phone policy if used for cell phone functions, such as cameras, text and calling functions, games, social media, video streaming, apps, etc.

We certainly recognize that communication devices are important tools for families to use to stay in touch with students in the case of emergencies or for things like after-school activities, and the new law takes these exceptions into account as well. The goal of our policies is to make sure that while students are in their classrooms that their focus is on learning, and not on their phones. This is also a great reminder that while the technology available to students is powerful and can do wonderful things, it can also be a detriment to students’ well-being and mental health. It is important for families to set boundaries and clear expectations for technology use, and for you to talk to your kids regularly about making sure their time with their devices is safe and productive.  If you’d like support for these conversations at home, the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice page, “Protecting Kids Online,” offers helpful guidance for families.

As we move throughout the spring, we are actively working on updating our handbooks to ensure that we are meeting our students’ needs in all aspects of their education, not just technology, but we will also be working to ensure that our policies around cell phone use continue to adhere to the law and set reasonable parameters for our students and schools. If you have questions about your school’s policy and implementation, I encourage you to reach out to your child’s principal and talk through it with them.

Thank you for your support and for giving us the opportunity to work with you and your child every day. GLPS is an outstanding place to learn and grow, and I am honored to be the superintendent here. Have a wonderful long weekend, and a Happy Valentine’s Day for those who celebrate. As always, I am #proudtobeacomet!

Dr. Bill Barnes
Superintendent of Schools