April 11, 2025
Dear Salpointe Parents and Guardians,
Beginning the week of April 21, Salpointe Catholic is launching a 13-day “Cell Phone Break”. From the first bell at 8:10am to the last bell at 2:30pm every school day, students will be asked to turn off phones, AirPods, and smartwatches and keep them stored in their backpacks. This “Break” will continue through Friday, May 9 and regular cell phone use will resume on Monday, May 12.
I know this might raise some questions, but this decision comes from a place of care and a deep commitment to our students’ well-being. Since January, a team of teachers, administrators and directors has been meeting to look at the impact of personal device use on campus. With input from students, parents and faculty, one message came through loud and clear: something needs to shift. This “Cell Phone Break” will help us determine how we should manage cell phone use on campus in the future.
The data is hard to ignore: excessive screen time has been linked to increased anxiety, depression and disconnection. At Salpointe, we’ve seen how students feel more present and connected during no-phone experiences like Kairos. This initiative is about offering that same opportunity during the school day.
Each morning, students will turn off their phones and store them in their backpacks. If you need to contact your students during the day, you can call Student Services or email your student directly. They will have access to email on their Chromebooks.
To support the transition, we’re planning activities during lunch and passing periods—games, outdoor fun, and even books. And we’re in this together; faculty and staff will also be limiting device use throughout the day.
For accountability, consequences for not following “Cell Phone Break” protocols are:
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First time: Phone will be held by Student Services and can be retrieved in Foundation Hall at the end of the day
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Second time: Same as above. Emails will be sent to parents
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Third time: Students will serve detention. Parents will have to pick up the phone from Foundation Hall at the end of the day. Students will be required to turn in their phones to Student Services each day through May 9.
Students who have health needs that require cell phone access, as currently documented in the Health Office, are exempt from this initiative.
This isn’t about restriction. It’s about creating space for reflection, connection and growth. I truly believe this pause will have a meaningful impact and I’m grateful for your partnership as we try something bold for the benefit of our community.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out. I welcome the conversation. Finally, please take a moment to view the video that was shared with your students today.
With gratitude,
Ardemis Martin
Principal
Salpointe Catholic High School
Ardemis Martin
Principal
Salpointe Catholic High School