ATTENTION SLOAN-HENDRIX FAMILIES

The “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act,” Arkansas Law SB142 goes into effect for all public schools beginning the 2025-2026 school year. The law states that students are not permitted to have cell phones or other personal electronic devices in their possession during the school day (for Sloan-Hendrix, that will be 7:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.). This includes lunch and break times.

Cell phones and other devices include, but are not limited to, the listed devices not provided by the school:

– Cell phones/smart watches

– Devices that connect and transmit via Bluetooth such as earbuds/headphones

– Tablets, laptops, portable game devices

– Digital media players, digital cameras, video/audio recorders

In possession includes, but is not limited to:

– Holding the device or having it visible

– Carrying the device in a pocket or on their person

– Accessing the device while it is in their backpack, vehicle, locker, or other location

Exceptions:

– The device is required by the student’s IEP or for health reasons

– The use of the device is during an emergency as defined by the policy

– The device is issued by the District for the student’s use during the school day

– The use of the device is during a special event during the school day (which requires prior announcement and approval per the law)

Further information will be outlined in the 2025-2026 Student Handbook.

More information regarding the law may be accessed at the following link: https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument…