Free to Focus Cell Phone Policy

​Freedom to Focus Policy
The State Department of Education has adopted a policy, as required by Proviso 1.103 in the South Carolina 2024-2025 budget, that requires schools in South Carolina to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices during the school day.  This policy must go into effect January 2025.
 
What does this mean for students at ATL?
Beginning January 13, 2025, students at ATL will not be permitted to have access to any personal electronic device (cell phones, smart watches, tablets, gaming devices, etc.) during the school day from 8:00-3:15, including lunch and recess.  These devices, if brought to school, must be turned off and stored in students’ bookbags until the end of the school day.  Students who require the use of such devices for medical purposes are excluded from this mandate.
If a student violates this policy, the student will be subject to progressive consequences and device confiscation.
 
We need your support?
As a charter school, we are required to follow state and federal laws and guidelines in order to receive school funding.  We ask that families support our school by ensuring that your student complies to this policy and does not access any personal communication device during their day at school beginning January 13, 2025 when they return from winter break.  Please know that parents and students have access to communicate through the school office at anytime during the day if the need arises.  As always, we appreciate your partnership in the academic success of all students at ATL.  Feel free to contact the school office (803-385-6334) if you have any questions.