May 21, 2026
Dear Blue Valley Families,
What a great end we had to the 2025–2026 school year. I am so thankful for our students, staff, and families and the positive momentum we continue to build together.
I am writing to share an update about the new Kansas law regarding student cell phones and personal communication devices during the school day. Beginning July 1, 2026, school districts will be required to have a policy in place that prohibits students from having access to cell phones and other personal communication devices during the school day, including lunch. This may include items such as cell phones, Bluetooth earbuds, Apple Watches, and similar devices.
We understand this will be an adjustment, especially for our secondary students and families. Our current policy has allowed students to keep phones stored away and access them during lunch, so this change will feel different. I have already visited with some of our high school students, and their thoughtful responses reminded me once again how fortunate we are to have such great students at Blue Valley.
The Kansas Association of School Boards and the Kansas State Department of Education are continuing to help districts better understand the details of House Bill 2299. What is clear is that students will not be allowed access to these devices from the start of the school day until the end of the school day.
Our administrative team is working to make this transition as smooth as possible for students, staff, and families. We will continue to communicate updates as more guidance becomes available and as our local policy is finalized.
Over the past two years, I have visited districts that have already removed student cell phone access during school hours. The consistent message I heard was that the adjustment took time, but the results were positive. Teachers noticed students interacting more with one another, administrators saw fewer distractions, and students began finding new ways to connect during the school day. In one district, new seating and game areas were even added because students began playing board and card games together after lunch instead of being on their phones. Parents later shared that they noticed their children were less attached to their phones and more engaged at home.
As we move forward, we will approach this change with support, communication, patience, and grace. Change is not always easy, but this can be a very positive step for our students and school community. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to do what is best for Blue Valley students.
Sincerely,
Rex Boley
Superintendent
Blue Valley USD #384
What a great end we had to the 2025–2026 school year. I am so thankful for our students, staff, and families and the positive momentum we continue to build together.
I am writing to share an update about the new Kansas law regarding student cell phones and personal communication devices during the school day. Beginning July 1, 2026, school districts will be required to have a policy in place that prohibits students from having access to cell phones and other personal communication devices during the school day, including lunch. This may include items such as cell phones, Bluetooth earbuds, Apple Watches, and similar devices.
We understand this will be an adjustment, especially for our secondary students and families. Our current policy has allowed students to keep phones stored away and access them during lunch, so this change will feel different. I have already visited with some of our high school students, and their thoughtful responses reminded me once again how fortunate we are to have such great students at Blue Valley.
The Kansas Association of School Boards and the Kansas State Department of Education are continuing to help districts better understand the details of House Bill 2299. What is clear is that students will not be allowed access to these devices from the start of the school day until the end of the school day.
Our administrative team is working to make this transition as smooth as possible for students, staff, and families. We will continue to communicate updates as more guidance becomes available and as our local policy is finalized.
Over the past two years, I have visited districts that have already removed student cell phone access during school hours. The consistent message I heard was that the adjustment took time, but the results were positive. Teachers noticed students interacting more with one another, administrators saw fewer distractions, and students began finding new ways to connect during the school day. In one district, new seating and game areas were even added because students began playing board and card games together after lunch instead of being on their phones. Parents later shared that they noticed their children were less attached to their phones and more engaged at home.
As we move forward, we will approach this change with support, communication, patience, and grace. Change is not always easy, but this can be a very positive step for our students and school community. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to do what is best for Blue Valley students.
Sincerely,
Rex Boley
Superintendent
Blue Valley USD #384