Education
VWSD updates cellphone policy
The Vicksburg Warren School District has updated its policy on personal electronic devices in an effort to retain student attention during instructional time.
VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Vicksburg Warren School District has updated its policy on personal electronic devices in an effort to retain student attention during instructional time.
The district made an announcement Monday, July 20, that it would be parting ways with the old policy regarding cell phones and other devices such as smartwatches and tablets.
In the statement VWSD said the new policy on personal electronic devices will be in place to promote an undistracted learning environment and help students focus on their education.
The updated policy discourages students from bringing cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, gaming devices and similar personal electronics to school. The district provides all students with district-issued Chromebooks that are fully equipped to support instructional needs and educational activities during the school day.
While the district recognizes students may own personal electronic devices, using them at school is discouraged to minimize potential distractions and disruptions to the learning process. Our goal is to create a classroom atmosphere where students can fully engage in their lessons and academic growth without the constant pull of technology competing for their attention.
Under the new procedures, personal electronic devices must remain turned off and out of sight throughout the school day unless specifically permitted by a teacher or administrator. Students who choose to bring personal devices to school do so at their own risk, and the district assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged electronics.
Unauthorized use or display of personal devices may result in confiscation of the item and disciplinary consequences. Parents will be required to retrieve confiscated devices from the school office. Repeated violations will escalate to in-school detention and potential suspension.
An overview of the policy can be found HERE, and the full policy is documented in the 2026-27 Student Handbook. Principals will be sharing additional information with their school communities prior to the first day of classes. Any questions about the policy or its implementation should be directed to your child’s principal.
VWSD remains committed to leveraging technology to enhance learning while promoting responsible digital citizenship. We appreciate the partnership of our students and families in fostering an educational environment where every student can thrive.
