Missouri Senate Bill 68 prohibits students from displaying or using electronic personal communications devices during the school day from the first bell to the last bell.
Alongside this legislation, the Lathrop School District has been discussing how to support a more focused, distraction-free learning environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. While we have always had expectations around cell phone use during the school day, this new law brings more clarity and consistency to those guidelines. We recognize that personal devices are a regular part of many students’ daily lives. This transition may feel like a big shift - especially coming off summer break. At the same time, we believe this change is an opportunity for students to build healthy habits, be more present, and reduce the distractions that often pull them away from learning and meaningful connections.
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year:
Devices must remain silenced and put away all day
No devices are to be on your person during the school day - meaning they cannot be in pockets of clothing, jackets, etc
All devices must be stored in backpacks, lockers, or the designated cell phone storage areas
Devices include but are not limited to cell phones, smart watches, earbuds/AirPods, music players, cameras, gaming devices, tablets, and computers
Please see the handbooks and district policies for full details.
This isn’t just about removing distractions. It’s about creating space for students to engage more deeply in learning, build face-to-face social skills, and focus on their overall well-being. Over time, we hope to see fewer disruptions, more instructional time reclaimed, and classrooms where students feel more connected to their teachers and peers. We understand that some families may worry about students not having immediate access to personal phones during the school day - especially in emergencies. Please know that student safety always remains our highest priority. The District has established emergency procedures and communication systems to ensure students and families can be contacted quickly if needed. Staff are trained to guide and supervise students in all situations. In the event of any crisis, ensuring student safety will always come before enforcing device expectations. We appreciate your support and patience during this transition. Your partnership is key to making this change smooth and successful for everyone involved, and to achieve the District's core values: Relationships, Accountability, High Performance, Solidarity.
If you have specific questions or concerns, please reach out to your student's building principal.
We are looking forward to a great school year. See you soon MULES!