"During the 2019-2020 school year, San Mateo will be a cell phone free learning environment. Our goal is to improve the climate and culture in our classrooms and on campus by eliminating cell phone distractions during instructional time. Students will keep their cell phones in pouches during the school day. Any student who does not own a cell phone must have a signed letter on file stating that a cell phone will not be brought to school. Students will place their cell phone in the pouch at the start of each school day and will be able to access their phone after their last class has ended. Smartwatches that have the ability to connect to cell service must also be placed in pouches at the start of the school day. Students must be in possession of their pouch at all times during the school day, even if they do not bring their phones to school.

Unlocking/locking stations will be available in every classroom and office on campus. If there is a personal emergency that requires a student to utilize their cell phone, students may unlock their pouch in an administrator's office. Should an emergency occur on campus our staff will notify all parents/guardians in a timely fashion. Students will be charged a $25 replacement fee if the pouch is lost or damaged, just like they would for a textbook. Students who violate these policies will have the following consequences:"

via https://www.smuhsd.org/cms/lib/CA02206192/Centricity/Domain/1184/Cell%20Phone%20Free%20Environment.pdf