Plainfield Public Schools Introduces "Phones Down, Minds Up" Initiative Ahead of New Statewide Bell-to-Bell Device Policy
Patricia Chen · Union County Life
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Plainfield Schools Launch "Phones Down, Minds Up" Initiative
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Plainfield Public Schools rolled out "Phones Down, Minds Up" on July 22, 2026, a district-wide initiative designed to help students, families, and staff prepare for New Jersey's new Bell-to-Bell Device Policy beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The presentation, led by Director of Student Services Denise Shipman during a Plainfield Board of Education meeting, showcased months of careful planning to ease the transition.
Earlier this year, former Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation requiring all New Jersey public school districts to adopt policies restricting personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. The law applies to all students in kindergarten through grade 12 and aims to improve student focus and academic engagement, support mental health, reduce distractions, and encourage meaningful face-to-face interactions.
Union County Life covered the statewide policy rollout when it was signed into law. Now, Plainfield is showing how local implementation will work: students will store personal internet-enabled devices during the school day in classroom caddies, designated lockers, or homeroom phone lockers, with devices returned at dismissal. The policy applies to cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, smart glasses, smart rings, and other personal internet-enabled devices.
"We wanted to make sure that when this policy takes effect, our students, staff, and families feel prepared," Shipman said. "Clear expectations and consistent procedures are what will make this successful across the district."
The district spent several months gathering feedback through stakeholder surveys, planning operations, training staff, and launching a communications campaign to ensure everyone understood what to expect. Students with approved accommodations—including medical needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and caregiver responsibilities permitted under state law—will continue to receive necessary support.
Families can reach their children through the school's main office if needed. Students also have access to StudentSquare, the district's communication platform, and parents can use ParentSquare to connect with school staff throughout the day.
Acting Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Filippatos emphasized the district's vision for what the policy makes possible. "School should be a place where students are engaged in learning, building relationships, asking questions, and discovering who they are," she said.
For more information about Plainfield schools news, announcements, and community events, visit Union County Life.
FAQ
Q: What devices are covered by the Bell-to-Bell Device Policy?
A: The policy applies to cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, smart glasses, smart rings, and other personal internet-enabled devices. All must be stored during the school day and returned at dismissal.
Q: Where will students store their devices during the day?
A: Devices will be stored in classroom caddies, designated lockers, or homeroom phone lockers. Each school building and classroom will have clear procedures for storage and return.
Q: What happens if my child needs to reach me during school?
A: Families can contact children through the school's main office. Students also have access to StudentSquare, the district's communication platform. Parents can use ParentSquare to reach school staff throughout the school day.
Q: Are there exceptions to the device policy?
A: Yes. Students with approved accommodations, including medical needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and caregiver responsibilities permitted under state law, will continue to receive necessary support.
Q: Why is Plainfield implementing this policy?
A: New Jersey passed a statewide law requiring all public school districts to restrict personal device use during the school day. The policy aims to improve student focus and academic engagement, support mental health, reduce distractions, and encourage face-to-face interactions.
Q: When does the policy start?
A: The Bell-to-Bell Device Policy takes effect at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Plainfield Public Schools presented its "Phones Down, Minds Up" initiative on July 22, 2026, to prepare students, families, and staff for the transition.
Newsletter Blurb
Plainfield Public Schools launched "Phones Down, Minds Up" on July 22, 2026, a district initiative preparing students and families for New Jersey's new Bell-to-Bell Device Policy. The policy restricts personal device use during the school day beginning in 2026-2027.
