As the Sheridan School District prepares for the 2025-26 school year, we want to clarify recent updates to our student device policy.
🔹 For students in grades K-8, there is no change.
Sheridan has long limited personal electronic device use during the school day for elementary, intermediate, and middle school students. These expectations remain the same.
🔹 For high school students, the policy is now more restrictive to comply with state law.
To comply with Arkansas Act 122 of 2025, also known as the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act,” we have updated Policy 4.47 to apply more consistently across all grade levels. High school students are now expected to follow the same daylong restrictions as K-8 students.
What’s Required?
Starting the first day of school, all students in grades K-12 must keep personal devices powered off and out of sight from the time they arrive until dismissal — including class changes, lunch, and breaks. Exceptions to this policy may be granted for health or other compelling reasons as allowed by school administrators.
Devices include:
Cell phones
Smartwatches
Wireless earbuds/headphones
Tablets or laptops not issued by the district
Gaming devices
Digital cameras/recorders
Any Bluetooth-connected or media-capable device
How You Can Help
Parents should review the updated policy with their children, especially if they attend Sheridan High School where this will be a change from past procedure. Your support will help ensure students understand what’s expected and why these rules are in place.
Thank you for partnering with us to support a safe, focused learning environment for every student.