Plymouth Community School Board approved a new cell phone policy at its May meeting.
The policy implements a bell-to-bell device-free school day beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, in compliance with Indiana Senate Bill 78, which took effect July 1, 2026.
Under the new policy, students may bring personal communication devices — including cell phones, smartwatches, and gaming devices — to school, but all devices must remain powered off, stored, and inaccessible throughout the entire school day, from the start of school until dismissal. Use of personal devices during instructional time, passing periods, lunch, and any other school-day activities is prohibited.
Plymouth Community School Corporation is currently finalizing procedures to support the transition. Building-specific expectations and implementation details will be communicated by each school to families before the start of the school year in August.
Senate Bill 78, also known as Public Law 107, was authored by Senator Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) and passed the Indiana Senate 36-12. The legislation requires every public school corporation and charter school in Indiana to adopt one of two policies: a full no-device policy that prohibits students from bringing wireless communication devices to school at all, or a storage policy requiring devices to be powered off and locked away for the entire school day. Plymouth Community Schools has chosen the storage policy approach.
Senator Raatz said the bell-to-bell restriction is aimed at reducing the ever-growing distractions that personal devices create in classrooms.
Families with questions about the upcoming policy changes are encouraged to watch for communications from their child's school before the August start of the school year.
Parke County officials seek info in Coxville Bridge damage
Lineup of 50 new food creations featured during this year's Indiana State Fair
Indiana wrapping up recounts in three legislative races
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 in Vermillion County
Garth Brooks announces The Blame It All On My Roots Tour kicking off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Art and photo contest open for DNR hard card licenses
IFB: Summer cookout costs decrease for Indiana shoppers, lower than U.S. average
$22 million Fourth of July water roller coaster coming to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
ISDA Launches IMAGE Cost-Share Program for southwest Indiana producers
July 4th: Red Cross offers safety tips for a harmless holiday
Full steam ahead: Indiana State Fair to debut new Family Train Ride in 2026
Governor Braun highlights America 250 Celebrations, encourages communities to participate with sSpecial grant program
Arts grant to support Parke Players’ summer musical, Ritz Theater
Missing teen Peyton Fulk found in Florida
Vermillion County Commissioners ready to look at solar overhaul
