PLEASE DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:
Mr. Samuel Karns, Superintendent
262-472-8700 | skarns@wwusd.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2026
Whitewater Unified School District Updates Personal Communication Device Policy
WHITEWATER, WI — The Whitewater Unified School District has adopted an updated policy establishing expectations for student use of cell phones and other personal communication devices.
The School Board adopted Policy 5136, Personal Communication Devices, on June 22 as part of the district’s adoption of NEOLA policies. The updated policy largely formalizes practices already in place across the district while outlining expectations for student use of cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and other personal communication devices.
Under the policy, students may bring personal communication devices to school, but devices must be completely powered off and stored out of sight during school hours.
“Our goal is to keep our schools focused on learning and allow students to connect with their teachers and classmates without unnecessary distractions,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “This policy is not a significant change from what we have already been doing in our schools. However, it puts those expectations in writing so students and families know what to expect.”
The policy includes exceptions that allow students to use personal communication devices in an emergency or perceived threat, to manage specific healthcare needs, as authorized through an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan, or when a teacher allows a device to be used for an educational purpose.
The policy also prohibits students from using personal devices to record others without authorization, access online content that is otherwise blocked by the district, engage in bullying or harassment, or share information in a way that constitutes cheating or academic dishonesty. Violations may result in disciplinary action or confiscation of a device, depending on the circumstances and previous violations.
Families who need to contact their child during the school day are encouraged to call their child’s school office.
The district encourages students and families to review the policy together before the start of the school year so they understand the expectations for personal devices in WUSD schools. The full policy is available at https://go.neola.com/whitewater-wi/policy/policy-manual/po5136.
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