Cell Phones, Smart Devices, & Backpack Expectations

Beginning July 20, 2026, Caprock Academy will be a Cell Phone and Smart Device Free Zone during the school day.

The Cell Phone and Smart Device Free Zone begins the moment a student arrives on campus and remains in effect until the student leaves campus at the end of the school day.

Students may not access or use personal electronic devices before school, during passing periods, at lunch, during recess, after school while waiting for pick-up, or at any other time while on campus.

All personal electronic devices, including:

• Cell phones
• Smart watches
• Earbuds
• Headphones
• Tablets
• Similar personal electronic devices

must be completely powered off and stored in a backpack or locker.

Devices may not be carried, worn, accessed, checked, charged, or used during the school day unless specifically authorized through an approved accommodation plan.

Why This Change Matters

Research continues to show that reducing student access to personal electronic devices during the school day can:

• Reduce classroom distractions and interruptions
• Increase student focus and academic engagement
• Encourage meaningful face-to-face communication
• Improve classroom participation and collaboration
• Reduce social media-related conflicts
• Support student mental health and well-being
• Help students develop healthy technology habits
• Improve campus safety and security
• Support compliance with state requirements

Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade

• Backpacks must be stored in the location designated by the classroom teacher.
• Students may not carry backpacks throughout the school day.

Grades 4–12

• Backpacks must be stored inside the student's assigned locker during the school day.
• Backpacks may not be carried between classes.
• Backpacks may not be kept in classrooms, hallways, common areas, or other open spaces.
• Backpacks may not be stored on top of lockers, beside lockers, or in front of lockers.
• Students may not leave backpacks unattended during the school day.

Students will be encouraged to return to their lockers at the end of the school day to gather their belongings before dismissal.

Grades 7-12 Additional Backpack Options

Students in grades 7-12 that are concerned about the time needed to access their lockers between classes, need to carry supplies for multiple classes, or need to keep personal items such as approved medications or feminine hygiene products readily available, they may carry a small clear tote bag, cinch sack, or backpack that is approximately 12–15 inches in size and can be easily hung on the back of a classroom chair or underneath their chair.

The use of clear bags is a common practice at large venues and events and supports school safety by discouraging the concealment of prohibited items while still allowing students convenient access to necessary belongings.

Students may bring these small clear bags to class; however, large backpacks and cell phones must remain stored in their lockers during the school day.

These approved bags must meet the following requirements:

• Must be clear and transparent.
• Must be small enough to hang on the back of a classroom chair or fit easily underneath a student chair.
• May be used to carry school supplies and approved personal items needed throughout the day.

Clear bag options include:

• Cinch Bags: https://a.co/d/0hyXEQNE
• Tote Bags: https://a.co/d/0fYbNGsz
• Backpacks: https://a.co/d/03HEUsfJ

Please note that these examples are provided for reference only. Families are not required to purchase these specific items and may choose any clear bag that meets the size and transparency requirements outlined above.

Larger athletic bags for after-school sports and cases for larger musical instruments may continue to be stored on top of lockers as has been customary at Caprock Academy. Because these items are stored outside of classrooms and do not impede hallways or emergency exits, this practice will remain in place.

Why This Change Matters

These expectations support school safety and an effective learning environment by:

• Maintaining clear visibility throughout campus
• Reducing hallway congestion
• Supporting school safety procedures
• Securing personal belongings
• Reducing classroom clutter and distractions
• Encouraging organization and responsibility
• Helping students develop time-management skills

Need Help Getting Organized?

We understand that this may be an adjustment for some students. Students who need assistance developing organizational strategies should contact the appropriate Dean of Students.

We understand that families occasionally need to communicate with students during the school day.

To support our electronic device expectations, we ask families to use school communication channels rather than contacting students directly on personal devices.

Parents may:

• Call the Front Office at 970-243-1771
• Email frontoffice@caprockacademy.org
• Contact their child's teacher via email

Students may use a telephone through the Front Office when necessary.

Health Office Procedures

If a student becomes ill during the school day, they should report to the Health Office.  Health Office staff will assess the situation and contact a parent or guardian if necessary.  Students should not use personal devices to arrange transportation home or request pickup.

Students are expected to follow all school policies and procedures beginning on the first day of school.  Students who do not comply with these expectations may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with school policies and procedures.

Cell Phone & Smart Device Violations

• Students found possessing, accessing, wearing, charging, or using personal electronic devices in violation of school expectations may have the device confiscated and turned over to the Dean of Students and/or Head of School.
• Confiscated devices will only be released to a parent or legal guardian.
• The Front Office is open Monday through Thursday until 4:00 PM.
• Devices not picked up before 4:00 PM, or before the Dean of Students or Head of School leaves for the day, may be picked up on the next school or business day.
• Special arrangements may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Our goal is not to issue disciplinary consequences, but to establish clear, consistent expectations that support a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment for all students.

Caprock Academy recognizes that some students may have documented educational, medical, or safety needs that require accommodations.

Students with approved accommodations that allow them to carry or access a cell phone, smart device, backpack, or other item may continue to do so in accordance with their approved accommodation plan.

Questions regarding accommodations should be directed to the appropriate Dean of Students or student support team member.

Why is Caprock Academy making these changes?

These updates are intended to support student learning, improve focus and engagement, strengthen school safety, reduce distractions, and align with new state requirements regarding student electronic device use during the school day.

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When do these changes take effect?

The updated policies take effect on July 20, 2026, for the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

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Can students bring a cell phone or smart device to school?

Yes. Students may bring personal electronic devices to school; however, all devices must be powered completely off and stored in a backpack, locker, or with the front office during the school day.

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What devices are included in this policy?

The policy includes cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, headphones, tablets, and any similar personal electronic devices.

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Can students use their devices during lunch, recess, passing periods, or study hall?

No. Personal electronic devices may not be used, checked, accessed, worn, or charged at any time during the school day unless specifically authorized by school administration for an approved educational or medical purpose.

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What if I need to contact my child during the school day?

Parents should contact the front office. Office staff will ensure messages are delivered to students as appropriate.

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What if my child needs to contact me during the school day?

Students may use a school phone through the front office when necessary.

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What if my child uses a phone for a medical reason?

Families should contact the school administration prior to the start of the school year. Approved medical accommodations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

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What happens if a student violates the cell phone or smart device policy?

Students who violate the policy may be subject to disciplinary action. Personal devices may be confiscated and turned over to the Dean of Students and/or Head of School.

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How can a confiscated device be retrieved?

Confiscated devices will only be released to a parent or legal guardian at the end of the school day. The front office is open until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Devices not picked up by that time may be retrieved on the next school or business day. Special arrangements may be made on a case-by-case basis.

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Can students leave their devices in the front office?

Yes. Students who prefer not to keep their device in a backpack or locker may check it in with the front office for safekeeping during the school day.

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What if my child becomes sick during the school day and needs to go home?

If a student becomes ill during the school day, they should notify their teacher and request permission to visit the health room or front office. School staff will assess the situation and contact a parent or guardian if the student needs to be picked up.

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What if my child forgets something at home and needs me to bring it to school?

Students should notify their teacher or visit the front office if they need assistance. Office staff can help contact a parent or guardian when appropriate. We encourage students and families to develop routines that help ensure necessary items are brought to school each day.

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What if I need to drop off an item for my child during the school day?

Parents may bring forgotten items, lunches, medications, instruments, athletic equipment, or other necessary items to the front office. Office staff will notify the student when appropriate or arrange for the item to be delivered according to school procedures.

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What if there is an emergency and I need to reach my child immediately?

In the event of an emergency, parents should contact the front office. School staff will ensure messages are delivered promptly and will assist in communicating with students as needed.

The success of these changes depends on a strong partnership between home and school. We encourage families to begin preparing now so students understand expectations before the first day of school.

Talk About Expectations Early

Discuss the new policies with your child before school begins. Explain why Caprock Academy is implementing these changes and how they support learning, safety, responsibility, and student success.

Establish Healthy Device Habits

Consider creating device-free times at home, such as during meals, family activities, homework, or before bedtime. Helping students practice being away from their devices now can make the transition easier during the school day.

Review Morning Routines

Help your child develop a routine for turning off and storing electronic devices before arriving at school. Students should understand that devices must be powered off and stored appropriately throughout the school day.

Encourage Organization and Responsibility

Students in grades 4–12 should become familiar with using their lockers and managing their school materials. Encourage your child to plan ahead, bring needed supplies to class, and develop organizational habits that support independence.

Stay Engaged and Ask Questions

If you have questions about these policies or need assistance helping your child prepare, please contact the school. We are committed to working together with families to support every student's success.

By maintaining consistent expectations at home and at school, we can help students develop responsibility, self-discipline, and habits that support both academic achievement and strong character.