In spring 2026, Kansas legislators passed a law, and every Kansas school district is now required to ban student access to and use of cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices from “bell to bell.”

USD 428 students will not be allowed to have or use any personal electronic communication device on any public school campus between the start and end of the school day. In accordance with Kansas law, this includes during lunch and during passing periods. In our district, the school day is:
• 8:05 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. for high school students
• 8:00 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. for middle school students
• 8:00 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. for elementary students

This term is defined in the law to include any wireless electronic communication device that provides for voice, text or video communication between two or more parties. This includes a mobile or cellular phone, tablet, computer, watch, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging device or personal digital assistant, among others. The law does not restrict devices that students receive from the school district, such as the [Chromebooks or laptops] used in our schools. These are allowed and should be brought to school for learning activities, as in the past.

Please call or email your child’s school office; the team will be happy to assist you. In urgent situations, messages may be delivered to students during the school day, or the student may be asked to come to the office to use a phone. Otherwise, students will be notified that they have a note to pick up in the office between class periods or after school. 

The law specifies that the phones must be stored securely and away from the student. Students may choose to leave their device(s) at home or locked in their car at school. If they bring them inside, they will be properly stored according to the law. Here’s what to expect:

• Great Bend High School: Yonder Bags will be issued to all students at GBHS. In first hour, phones will be turned off and secured into the bags. Students will "unlock" their Yonder bag at the end of the day or when checking out in the office if dismissing early. 
• Great Bend Middle School: Turned off and secured in student lockers all day.
• Elementary school: Turned off and stored in backpacks all day.

Please see the appropriate student handbook for more details. Information will also be shared at the building level with students.

Students should inform their teacher if they need help contacting a parent, sibling, or caregiver. They are also welcome to stop by the office during a passing period or lunchtime to place a phone call or request help getting a message to a parent, sibling, or caregiver.

The law that was passed by the legislature does not provide an exception for emergencies. Rest assured, in an urgent situation or safety concern on campus, information will be sent through email to all parents, guardians, caregivers, and other emergency contacts connected to the student record in Skyward. If you have questions about how you will receive these updates or need to update your contact information, please call your child's attendance center for assistance.

According to the 2026 law, every Kansas school board is required to adopt and update board policies to explain how the new law will be implemented locally. Our student handbooks also include new policies explaining these changes for students and families. Learn more in your child's Student Handbook.

The law grants an exception for students who need their device to manage a health issue, such as checking blood sugar. Parents are asked to contact their School Nurse if their child has a medical need. Our school nurses will also be reaching out to those they know may require a device for medical reasons during the day.

Our district policy grants an exception for students who need a device as an accommodation during the school day, if their IEP, Medical Plan or 504 Plan requires it as assistive technology for medically or educationally necessary purposes.

The law explicitly prohibits students from accessing or using personal devices on campus during the school day. 

During school-sponsored activities, events, competitions, field trips, or other educational opportunities away from school premises during the school day, the supervising administrator, coach, sponsor, or staff member may establish reasonable expectations regarding the possession and use of personal electronic devices.

We have procedures in place to release a student’s phone from storage when they are checked out by a parent or guardian to leave campus or are leaving the school for other excused absences. The device must be properly stored again if/when they return to school that day.

We know this is a big change, and we will work with students at school to create a smooth transition as much as possible. We will also explain the consequences of not following the new rules and policy. Violations will be handled individually, following our standard disciplinary policy and procedures.

Please encourage students to follow this new requirement and share some of the benefits that come from a less distracted learning environment. Working together, we hope to minimize additional disruptions to their school day that could come from non-compliance or disciplinary procedures. 

Parents, caregivers, and students are all encouraged to review the handbook policy about device use at school.

Our community is unique, but nationwide studies suggest that removing cell phones during school may benefit student learning by increasing classroom engagement and participation, while reducing cyberbullying and office discipline referrals.

In our district, and specifically at GBHS, we have already seen student engagement and academic focus increase by reducing student cell phone use and access over the past few years.

Your child’s school office will be happy to answer your questions or help address any individual concerns you might have. School offices will open for the new school year on August 3.

Building Directory

If you need assistance during summer break, please call the District Education Center with your questions or concerns at 620-793-1500. We will do our best to assist.