Dear Weber School District Teachers, Support Staff, and School Leaders,
As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2026–2027 school year, I want to provide an important update regarding Policy 8350 - Student Device Policy and our expectations for implementation across Weber School District.
The Weber School District Board of Education recently approved revisions to Policy 8350. These revisions reflect our commitment to creating school environments where students can be present, engaged, connected, and ready to learn.
“Need to Know” Highlights
Elementary Schools
Students are prohibited from using privately owned electronic devices during school hours.
Students are also discouraged from using privately owned electronic devices before school once they are on school grounds.
Secondary Schools
Students are prohibited from using privately owned electronic devices during class time, in locker rooms, and in restrooms.
These expectations will be implemented consistently across all secondary schools.
These expectations apply to privately owned electronic devices, including cell phones and other personal technology. Each school should ensure that students clearly understand the expectations and any school-specific procedures for implementation before and at the beginning of the school year.
Implementation Expectations
Because Policy 8350 is a Board-approved district policy, consistent implementation and enforcement are essential. This is not a recommendation or optional practice. Our expectation is that Policy 8350 will be implemented and enforced strictly, consistently, and equitably across every school in Weber School District.
As you prepare for the school year, please:
Thoroughly review Policy 8350 and ensure you understand the requirements that apply to your school and role.
Review the policy with your faculty and staff at the beginning of the school year so that all employees have a shared understanding of the expectations and their responsibility to uphold them.
Clearly communicate expectations to students at the start of the school year and establish routines that support consistent implementation from day one.
Ensure consistency in enforcement. Students should experience clear and predictable expectations regardless of classroom, teacher, grade level, or school.
Approach implementation with professionalism and consistency. Our goal is not to create unnecessary conflict around devices, but to establish clear boundaries that support learning and student success.
Partner with families. We recognize that changes in device expectations may require adjustment. Clear communication and a consistent approach will help families and students understand the purpose behind the policy and what is expected of them.
Why This Matters
There is growing recognition across Utah and throughout the country of the impact personal electronic devices can have on students' attention, learning, relationships, and overall school experience. Reducing unnecessary access to screens can minimize distractions and create more opportunities for students to engage deeply in learning and connect meaningfully with the people around them.
This policy is not about eliminating technology from education. Technology remains an important and valuable part of teaching and learning in Weber School District. Rather, Policy 8350 establishes appropriate boundaries around personal devices so our classrooms and schools can remain places where students are focused, participating, interacting, and learning.
Our collective responsibility is to create an environment where students can be fully present and engaged. Every employee plays an important role in making that possible.
Resources and Support
Attached are two helpful flyers—one highlighting the policy provisions for elementary schools and the other outlining the key provisions for secondary schools. Please use these resources as you communicate expectations with students and families.
The revised policy was informed, in part, by input gathered through a survey of Weber School District patrons. We appreciate the community members who took the time to share their perspectives and help inform this work.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Compliance & Policy Director Heather Hardy, Legal Counsel Heidi Alder, and WSD Policy Committee Board Members Jan Burrell and Kelly Larson for their thoughtful and diligent work in reviewing and revising the policy and developing resources to support its implementation.
Continuing to Learn and Evaluate
During the 2026–2027 school year, Weber School District will collect data and feedback regarding the impact of smart watches, such as Gabb or Apple watches, on the instructional environment at the elementary level. This information will help us evaluate implementation and better understand the impact of these devices on students and schools.
As with any significant policy implementation, we will learn from our experiences and use data and feedback to inform our work moving forward.
Thank You
I recognize that implementing new expectations requires time, consistency, patience, and teamwork. Thank you in advance for your professionalism and commitment to ensuring that Policy 8350 is implemented thoughtfully and consistently.
Most importantly, thank you for keeping students at the center of this work. Our purpose is to create learning environments where every student can focus, engage, connect, and thrive. Your leadership and consistency will make a meaningful difference.
I am grateful for your partnership and look forward to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year.
All the best,
Gina Butters
Superintendent
Weber School District