USD 501 Cell Phone Policy

Posted on 07/11/2025

Topeka Public Schools is implementing a Cell Phone-Free Instructional Day in schools, effective August 2025, following the revised Policy 2945 approved by the Board of Education on June 5, 2025.

This policy supports a focused, engaging, and emotionally supportive learning environment. From bell to bell, cell phones will be off and out of sight to reduce distractions and enhance instruction.

Benefits of this policy include:

Improved academic focus in the classroom
Stronger social-emotional development through face-to-face interactions
Mental health support by reducing screen time and social media stress
Fewer disruptions, leading to a more productive school day

We urge parents and families to review these expectations with their student to help ensure a smooth transition and shared understanding for the upcoming school year.

We appreciate your partnership in helping students thrive both academically and socially. Please review the Topeka Public Schools Cell Phone Expectations for additional information.

Engage students in the highest quality of learning • Prepare students for responsible, productive citizenship • Inspire excellence for a lifetime

We Support Equal Opportunities

The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful access to any appropriate educational service, program, or activity provided by the school district. For students, the Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 compliance coordinator is the General Counsel for the district. For employment, the EEO/AA and Title VII compliance officer is the general director of human resources. Compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785) 295-3000. The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, regulations, and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3059 or by writing to 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611-1294.