As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to share an important update about personal electronic devices (PEDs) at Glacier Peak High School.

Earlier this year, the Snohomish School District Board of Directors adopted a districtwide cell phone policy to help create consistent expectations across all schools. After reviewing how this policy worked over the past year, we’ve made some adjustments for middle schools to better support student focus, connection, and learning.

What’s changing for 2025–2026?
To reduce distractions and help students fully engage during the day, personal electronic devices - including cell phones and earbuds - may not be used during class time. Students may still bring devices to school, but they must be turned off or silenced (including vibration) and kept out of sight.

Here are the key points:

• PEDs can only be used before and after school, during lunch, and during passing periods. (This includes no cell phone/PED use during Grizzly Period).
• Smartwatches are allowed, but they must be turned off or in school mode during the day.
• Students can bring devices to school if they are silenced and out of sight.
• Students with IEPs, 504 Plans, or individual health plans that require device use will continue to have access as needed.
• If a student struggles to meet these expectations, we will follow a step-by-step approach which may include discipline consequences to help them get back on track.

Why this change?
We know phones and other devices are part of daily life, but research shows they can interfere with learning and social connection during the school day. Our goal is to give students a space where they can focus, interact face-to-face, and develop important social and academic skills.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a positive, focused learning environment for every student. To learn more about the GPHS PED/cell phone use protocols, please click here.