Parents and Guardians of the Hastings area School System  received notice that cellphone use by students during school hours will not be allowed beginning the second semester pending approval by the Board of Education.

This policy shift is based on many things such as the overwhelming and continued misuse of these devices by students during the day. Banning use of cell phones during the school day also supports Michigans Anti-Cyberbulling laws and supports Hastings' continued commitment to educational excellence.

The new policy states that on a first offense, if seen, phones will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.   The second offense will require a parent or guardian to come to the school to retrieve the phone. A third offense could result in suspension from school.