STUDENT CELL PHONE POLICY

To cultivate a focused, respectful, and connected community, Rooted Oaks enforces a student cell phone policy. Student phones will not be permitted for use at any point during Rooted Oaks hours, including the break time.

Students are strongly encouraged to leave their phones at home or in the car during co-op evenings.

If a phone must be brought into Rooted Oaks, it will be required to be checked in upon arrival and will be stored in a safe location for the duration of the evening, monitored by a Leadership Team Member. Phones will be returned to students when they are dismissed for the evening.

This policy is designed to:

• Encourage face-to-face interactions and meaningful connections between students
• Minimize distractions in classrooms and shared spaces
• Eliminate the need for teachers and leadership team members to monitor phone usage and/or shared content
• Create a learning environment rooted in attentiveness, responsibility, and respect

If a student needs to contact their parent/guardian during the evening, they may temporarily use their phone at the Rooted Oaks HQ table to make the call. Once the call is complete, the phone must be returned to the Leadership Team Member. Students without a phone may request to use a Leadership Team Member's phone at the Rooted Oaks HQ table to call their parent/guardian.

If a parent/guardian needs to reach their student during Rooted Oaks hours, they can call or text the Rooted Oaks number. A leadership team member will answer or see your message as soon as possible. We will locate your student and have them return your call. This number will only be answered during co-op hours.

All communication will go through the Rooted Oaks phone number. Additionally, contact will only be made with parents/guardians listed in the family’s account on Homeschool-Life. Please ensure your profile is accurate. This process ensures the safety of all students and maintains clear, monitored communication during co-op.

Family support in helping us maintain a phone-free co-op environment is vital.

*This policy was last updated on August 16, 2025.