Launch the media gallery 1 playerCell Phones in School
August 18, 2026
LaHarpe Community School District #347
404 West Main Street Interim Superintendent: Ralph Grimm
LaHarpe, Illinois 61450 rgrimm@laharpeeagles.com
Phone: (217)659-7739 Principal: Ryan Hopper
Fax: (217)659-7730 rhopper@laharpeeagles.com
www.laharpeeagles.org
Dear LaHarpe CSD #347 Families,
As we begin the school year, we want to make families aware of an important expectation
regarding student cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day. LaHarpe
School District will be a cell phone free school during the school day. Students are able to have
their cell phones from 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM. Students are expected to keep their cell phones and
other personal electronic devices powered off and put away beginning at 8:00 AM.
Illinois has recently passed legislation requiring public schools to adopt policies limiting student
use of personal wireless devices during instructional time, with statewide requirements taking
effect for the 2027–2028 school year. While that requirement is still ahead of us, we believe
establishing these expectations now is in the best interest of our students. Our purpose is not to
punish students or make communication with families more difficult. Our purpose is to create a
school environment where students can focus on learning, interact with one another, build
relationships, and be fully present throughout their school day.
We understand that parents and guardians need to be able to communicate with their children
during the school day. If you need to reach your child, please contact the main office at 217-659-
3713. Our office staff will make sure important messages are delivered to your child. Likewise,
students will always have access to communication when they need it. If a student becomes sick,
forgets something at home, needs to contact a parent or guardian, or has another legitimate need,
the student may use the school office phone to call home.
In the event of an emergency, our priority will always be the safety of our students, and the
school will communicate with families through our established emergency communication
procedures. We recognize that cell phones have become a normal part of everyday life. At the
same time, we believe our students benefit from having several hours each day when their
attention can be on learning, friendships, teachers, activities, and simply being kids. We
appreciate your support as we work together to provide our students with the best possible
environment to learn and grow.
Sincerely,
Ryan Hopper
Principal
LaHarpe Community School District #347
