Dear East Noble Families,
As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, I want to make you aware of an important change regarding student use of personal electronic devices during the school day. This change is not a local decision, but rather a requirement of Indiana law. Pursuant to Indiana Code 20-26-5-40.7, all Indiana public schools are required to implement new expectations regarding student access to wireless communication devices.
Beginning with the first day of the 2026-2027 school year, all K-12 students will not be permitted to access personal wireless communication devices during the school day unless the device has been approved by the school for instructional purposes as a school-sanctioned device.
For purposes of this law, the "school day" includes the entire time a student is on school property during an instructional day—from the first bell to the last bell—including classroom instruction, passing periods, lunch, study halls, and any other time students are under school supervision.
Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to:
Cellular phones
Tablet computers
Laptop computers not approved for instructional use
Gaming devices
Smartwatches connected to a cellular network, cell tower, or the internet
Students may continue to bring personal devices to school; however, they must remain powered off and stored for the entire school day in one of the following approved locations:
The student's locker
A classroom storage system or other secure classroom location
The school office
A secure pouch system, where applicable
The student's backpack
The law provides several important exceptions. Students may access their wireless communication device if it is:
Required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan;
Used for language translation;
Necessary for the management of a documented medical condition with an order from a licensed healthcare provider; or
Authorized during an emergency as determined by the Superintendent.
Additionally, students participating in approved work-based learning experiences off campus may possess and use their devices as permitted by their work-based learning supervisor.
Please note that students are solely responsible for the care and security of any personal wireless communication devices brought to school. East Noble School Corporation cannot assume responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
We recognize that this represents a significant change for many students and families. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining learning environments that are focused, engaging, and free from unnecessary distractions. Over the coming weeks, each school will communicate building-specific procedures that support the implementation of this state law.
Thank you for your partnership and support as we implement this new Indiana requirement. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create the best possible learning environment for all East Noble students.
Sincerely,
Steve Vore
Superintendent
East Noble School Corporation