School News
Brings PCSD into Compliance with New State Law
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we would like to make families aware of updates to the Paulding County School District's policy regarding student use of electronic devices. In May of 2026, Governor Brian Kemp signed a new state law banning the use of personal electronic devices by high school students during the school day, expanding on the law already in place that prohibits the use of personal electronic devices by students in grades K-8. The new law requires all Georgia school districts to adopt policy implementing the new requirements.
In June of 2026, the PCSD Board of Education updated Board Policy JCDAF: Use of Electronic Devices by Students to comply with the new state law and to align with guidelines provided by the Georgia Department of Education. Policy JCDAF outlines students are not allowed to use their personal mobile devices (including phones, personal tablets, Bluetooth headphones (such as AirPods), and smartwatches) once they have entered campus for grades K-8, and once the instructional day begins for grades 9-12. Devices must be turned off and stored away for the duration of the school day. This change aims to minimize distractions and enhance student focus and learning outcomes.
As a public school district, the Paulding County School District is required to comply with state law and implement the provisions outlined in the legislation. Any changes to these requirements would need to occur through the same legislative process.
Although the district has long maintained expectations for the appropriate use of personal devices at school, this new law establishes a more comprehensive statewide standard. It also reflects the growing consensus among child development experts and educators that minimizing digital distractions during the instructional day helps students remain engaged, improves behavior, and enhances the focus and concentration necessary for meaningful learning.
Students will continue to use district-issued laptops during instruction. Unlike personal devices, these school-issued tools are monitored, filtered, and designed specifically to support educational activities. Personal devices, however, can bypass these safeguards and often introduce distractions that interrupt learning and reduce student engagement.
The goal of this updated policy is to minimize daily distractions and create a learning environment where students can stay focused, participate fully in class, and achieve their greatest academic success. We understand that many parents are concerned about being able to communicate with their children during an emergency. Please know that the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. In the event of a safety emergency, students would be given access to their personal electronic devices when appropriate, while school and public safety personnel work to ensure everyone's safety.
We understand that a significant change like this – including emergencies and exceptions permitted under state law – will require an adjustment for students, families, and staff. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and partnership as we implement this new statewide requirement.
HS DRESS CODE (See district policy JCDB-R in district student handbook)
Pants and Short
• Length must be appropriate. Shorts must come to at least the mid-thigh; Shorts and pants must be sized appropriately.
Skirts and Dresses
• Skirts must be size appropriate and be worn at the natural waistline;
• Shoulder straps must be at least 2" in width and arm holes must be tight fitting;
• Length must be appropriate (at least to the mid-thigh); Slits in skirts cannot be above mid-thigh.
Shirts and Blouses
• Must be size appropriate;
• Long or short sleeved, dress shirt, polo type, sleeveless with appropriate, tight-fitting armholes (no halter tops, no spaghetti straps). For tank tops, the shoulder straps must be at least 2" in width;
• Must have no writing, pictures, or graphics that unreasonably attract the attention of other students or cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school (e.g., vulgarity, sexual innuendo);
• Shirt tails must come to the natural waistline.
Shoes
• All students must wear appropriate shoes (examples: dress, tennis, flip-flops, clogs).
Not Approved for School Wear
• No holes, frays, rips, or tears, which are revealing or inappropriate, above the mid-thigh ;
• See-through clothing;
• Sleeveless shirts, blouses, without appropriate (tight-fitting) armholes;
• Deep-scooped necklines;
• Clothing that shows the bare midriff, bare back or bare shoulders;
• Pajamas, bedroom shoes, or other sleepwear;
• Articles of clothing which advertise or display the symbols of drugs, tobacco products or alcoholic beverages;
• Clothing which may be considered racially insensitive or which displays or implies profane or obscene language or symbols;
• Emblems, insignias, badges, tattoos, or other symbols where the effect thereof is to unreasonably attract the attention of other students or cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school;
• Chains hanging from wallets or clothing;
• Exposure of undergarments of any type;
• Display or wearing of any gang articles, paraphernalia or clothing that can be construed as being gang related (e.g. bandanas, sweat bands, head rags, etc.);
• Jewelry that is offensive, distracts, or is studded or pointed is unacceptable. Heavy chains are not allowed.
*For high school, this regulation may vary. Head wear of any kind that obscures a student's face or identity will not be permitted. Any head wear of any kind that is deemed by school administration as a distraction or interfering with a teacher's ability to engage, teach and/or communicate with students will not be permitted. Exceptions for religious or medical reasons to be granted by the principal.
**The administration reserves the right to determine if items of clothing are too casual, too revealing, disruptive, or distracting within the school environment**
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