When Hastings High School students return to the classroom January 6 to start their second semester, they will have to comply with the new cellphone policy that was approved by the Board of Education aimed at improving the learning environment. Cellphone use by students during school hours will no longer be allowed.

The 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 Michigan’s 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 will result in appropriate progressive discipline up to, and including, suspension from school.

The policy shift does not affect the Middle or Elementary schools, as those schools already enforce bans.