Update: August 15, 2025
Board Position Statement on Cell Phone & Personal Technology: Last week, the LTHS Board of Education shared a position statement outlining clear expectations for student cell phone and personal technology use during the school day. On the first day of school, this is what your student can expect:
Students will be asked to place their cell phones in a storage area that has been installed in every classroom. We call these 'Porter Pockets.' The intention here is to set cell phones aside at the beginning of each classroom period as a possible distraction, where learning should be the focus.
All teachers will explain the purpose of their cell phone procedures and the rationale behind keeping cell phone use away from the classroom experience. There will be times when teachers will direct students to use a cell phone as part of a lesson. This includes Homeport classrooms during Compass and study halls.
School Administrators and Deans will be meeting with students next week to explain why we are implementing consistent expectations across the district for cell phone use during the school day.
Students will be reminded that cell phones, headphones, and AirPods should not be used in the hallways during the school day. This is a matter of school safety.
Students will also be made aware of the potential disciplinary consequences of inappropriate cell phone use.
Students will be able to use their cell phones in cafeterias and some cases, school libraries.
The Board and staff understand that some students may need to use their cell phones for medical reasons. If this applies to your student, please have them let their teacher know so we can provide the necessary accommodations.
Please take a moment to review it here: LTHS Board Position Statement
Dear Lockport Township High School District 205 Parents and Guardians,
As we prepare to begin another school year, I want to take a moment to share some reflections and important updates with you.
One of the things I value most about education is its rhythm—the cycles of new semesters, new school years, and the opportunities each new beginning brings. Just as summer offers a time to rest and recharge, the start of a new school year brings hope, energy, and the chance to grow and do better than before.
Around our campuses, it’s clear that the 2025–26 school year is just around the corner. Yesterday, Freshman Orientation was in full swing, and we’re preparing to greet students at our Welcome Back Days. We’re also excited to welcome 16 new teachers and 12 student teachers to the district. Our Custodial, Maintenance, and Grounds staff members are busy preparing our campuses inside, and buses stand ready for their duties this year. Construction workers are wrapping up most projects at Central Campus on the roof, exterior walls, and electrical components. While some areas will remain closed at Central for the start of school as work wraps up, we are on track to reopen the building for students on Monday, August 18.
As we return, I want to share an important update from our Board of Education. This year, we are taking a focused and thoughtful look at how cell phones and personal technology are used during the school day.
Both research and the lived experiences of our staff and students have shown the impact of technology on learning, attention, and well-being.
Last year, we spent quite a bit of time working with students on my Superintendent's Advisory Council and leaders in our Union to explore how we can respond to renorm the use of cell phones on campus, set appropriate boundaries, model appropriate use, and humanize ourselves to those around us by being more present at the moment and less attached to electronic devices. Our seven-member Board of Education feels the same.
In response, our Board has issued a position statement that outlines clear expectations for students, staff, and families. You can review this document here:
🔗 LTHS Board Position Statement on Cell Phones and Personal Technology
We look forward to working in partnership with you to create learning environments that support connection, presence, and focus for all students.
On behalf of the Board of Education and our entire staff, thank you for your continued support. We are excited to begin this new school year with your student, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us.
All the best,
Robert McBride, Ed.D
Superintendent, Lockport Township High School District 205