Message sent to all ACS Families on July 16, 2025:
Dear ACS Families,
This spring, the Alabama Legislature passed a new law known as the Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act (FOCUS Act). This law prohibits student use of wireless communication devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, iPads, personal laptops, and similar technology—during the instructional day.
While this is a statewide mandate and not specific just to Alabaster City Schools, we are required to implement the law beginning with the 2025-2026 School Year. Over the summer, ACS reviewed the new requirements and aligned our school practices accordingly. Many of our current procedures, especially at the elementary and middle school levels, already reflect these expectations. As such, only minimal changes may be needed at some schools.
Below are the updated FOCUS Act guidelines for communication devices in ACS:
Elementary Schools:
All phones, smartwatches, and similar devices must be powered off and placed in a backpack before the student enters the school building.
Students checking in late must have their devices turned off and stored before entering the school building.
Devices may be powered on once students leave campus for the day.
Middle Schools:
Devices must be turned off and stored (in a backpack and/or in their locker) before the first bell rings.
Students checking in must turn off devices upon entering the building and place in locker before going to class.*
Devices may be turned on and used after the final dismissal bell.
*This will apply after locker assignment. Before lockers are assigned, students should power off devices and store them in their backpacks.
High Schools:
Students must power off and store devices (in a backpack or vehicle) prior to the start of the school day.
Students on a flexible schedule or arriving/leaving campus during the day must power off devices and store them in their car or backpack before entering the building.
Devices may be turned on and used after the final dismissal bell.
Additional information, including the consequences for not following the policy, can be found in the ACS Code of Conduct. In addition, effective this school year, all water bottles must be plastic. No metal or glass bottles/cups are allowed.
We appreciate your partnership in helping us create a focused and distraction-free learning environment. Thank you for supporting Alabaster City Schools as we work to ensure safe, productive classrooms for all students.
Sincerely,
Alabaster City Schools