Seven children walking down a school hallway with backpacks on their backs.

Our Mission

All students deserve an education that fosters a student focus, allowing them to learn, engage, and thrive without the dangers and distractions of digital devices during the school day. By implementing device-free policies that keep devices 'off and away the entire school day,' we create a successful learning environment for our students, teachers, and administrators. Our mission is to enforce these device-free school days across all East Grand Rapids education campuses, enhancing student engagement and academic success.

Group of friends embracing outdoors in warm sunlight and autumn foliage.

Building Community through Wait Until Eighth

Building community-wide support for delayed digital devices

In 2023, a group of concerned parents spearheaded the creation of an EGR chapter of the growing national movement Wait Until 8th, a community-based initiative aimed at promoting device-free policies to delay smartphones and social media use for kids. This initiative was developed to support families in East Grand Rapids education who wish to postpone these technologies for their children while navigating the challenges of peer pressure.

They have been amazed by the engagement of EGR parents in these important conversations and are proud to report that nearly 350 students in the district are now represented in this pledge, with continuous growth. Please join us today and consider signing the pledge!

Why Sign the Pledge?

Building community support together as parents, educators, and students creates the best possible environment to make it easier to make informed choices about electronic devices for students.

Sign the Pledge

FAQ & Additional Resources

Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What are the EGR Device Policies?

Policy 8320 STUDENT USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES

East Grand Rapids Public Schools encourages students to bring an electronic device to school for use as an educational tool. While in attendance at school students are required to solely use the district's network during the instructional day. Doing so ensures a safe learning environment for all of our students. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary measures.

Students may be in possession of electronic communication devices subject to the terms of this policy and the administrative rules of the District. Such devices shall be used for instructional purposes and such use is at the expressed permission of a teacher and/or administrator. Electronic devices shall not be used at school sponsored events where there is a reasonable expectation of quiet attentiveness, where use of the device would cause disruption, unless there is a bona fide health or safety emergency or unless specifically approved by a school official for a special circumstance. Electronic devices such as, but not limited to: cell phones, iPods, cameras, tape/CD players, video games, video players,MP3 players, etc., and their attachments are not permitted for use by students while they are in a classroom or other academic setting unless given permission to use such a device by a teacher or administrator. Misuse of such devices will

result in confiscation. Use of a camera and/or camera/video feature on an electronic device is prohibited in bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, or any other spaces where privacy would be expected. In addition, a camera/video feature on an electronic device may only be used for educational purposes.

Students violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action (under the procedures for discipline as outlined in Board Policy #8383). The administration shall promulgate rules to enforce this policy at the building level.

8320-R STUDENT USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES

All electronic devices must be used in accordance with school policy and for educational purposes only. Use of any electronic device that disrupts the learning environment or in any other way violates policy #8320 may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the electronic device. Repeated misuse of electronic devices will result in additional progressive disciplinary consequences under Board Policy #8380 Persistent Disobedience.

Students are expected to turn off / silence all electronic communication devices upon entering a classroom. Use of all electronic devices during class is at the expressed permission of a teacher or administrator. Such devices may not be used during class until instructed to do so.
- Misuse of electronic devices less than 7 inches in diameter (cell phones, iPods, cameras, tape/CD players, video games, video players, MP3 players, etc.) will result in the following:
- First offense: the Building Administrator and/or Assistant Principal will keep the electronic device until the end of the school day.
- Second offense: the Building Administrator and/or Assistant Principal will keep the electronic device until a parent conference is held.
- Third offense: the Building Administrator and/or Assistant Principal will keep the electronic device for 5 school days. A parent conference must also be held at the end of the 5 days.
- Further offenses will result in additional progressive disciplinary consequences under Board Policy #8380 (Persistent Disobedience).
Students are required to solely use the district's network during the instructional day.
Electronic devices may not be used to record individuals in a locker room, bathroom, or any other spaces where privacy would be expected. Unauthorized recording or distribution of pictures, video, and audio are prohibited.
Students may not use any electronic device for academic misconduct.
Students may not use any electronic device to record a staff member without the express permission from the teacher.

ADDITIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTRONIC DEVICE RULES

It is the expectation of the middle school administration that:

Electronic devices are silenced and/ or powered down during the school day
Electronic devices are stored in the students locker during the school day, unless given direct permission to be used by a staff member.
Devices are only to be used in the area and time where given permission. Electronic devices should then be returned to the locker.
No camera of any kind should be used to record during the school day

MIDDLE SCHOOL POLICY - Reference pages 29 & 30

HIGH SCHOOL POLICY - Reference pages 25 - 27

Device-Free Education at Off and Away East Grand Rapids

Our Mission

Building Community through Wait Until Eighth

Building community-wide support for delayed digital devices

Why Sign the Pledge?

Off and Away Recommended Parent Resources: Articles

Off and Away Recommended Parent Resources: Podcasts

Off and Away Recommended Parent Resources: Books

Stay informed of the latest EGR School Board Agendas and Minutes

FAQ & Additional Resources

Share Your Thoughts

Off and Away EGR

Get in touch

Device-Free Education at Off and Away East Grand Rapids

Our Mission

Building Community through Wait Until Eighth

Building community-wide support for delayed digital devices

Why Sign the Pledge?

Off and Away Recommended Parent Resources: Articles

Off and Away Recommended Parent Resources: Podcasts

Off and Away Recommended Parent Resources: Books

Stay informed of the latest EGR School Board Agendas and Minutes

FAQ & Additional Resources

Share Your Thoughts

Off and Away EGR

Get in touch

Join Our Mailing List

This website uses cookies.