Skip to main content

Hoover City Schools

Learning for Life

Popular Links

  1. HCS Resources
  2. FOCUS Act

FOCUS Act

FOCUS Act

 

In May, Alabama passed the Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act (FOCUS Act). This new law prohibits students from using wireless communication devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and similar devices during the instructional day. Over the summer, Hoover City Schools met with students, parents, and school leaders to review the law and how it will impact our schools.

While this is not a Hoover City Schools initiative, we are required to follow the law in accordance with the FOCUS Act. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the following guidelines will be in place for communication devices in HCS: 

Elementary Schools:

  • Cell phones and wearable communication devices must be turned off and stored in a backpack or purse upon entering the building. 

  • Students checking in or out must have their devices stored before entering or after exiting the building.

  • Devices may be turned back on when leaving campus.

Middle Schools:

  • Cell phones and wearable communication devices must be turned off and stored in a backpack, purse, or locker by the first bell.

  • Students checking in or out must have their devices stored before entering or after exiting the building.

  • Devices may be used after the final dismissal bell.

High Schools:

  • Cell phones and wearable communication devices must be turned off and stored in a backpack, purse, locker, or car by the first bell. 

  • Students with a flexible schedule or those checking in/out must store their devices before entering or after exiting the building.

  • Devices may be used after the final dismissal bell.

 

  • The FOCUS Act (Freeing our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety) is a new law in Alabama. It was enacted by the state Legislature to reduce classroom distractions and improve online safety by limiting student usage of wireless communication devices in public K-12 schools during the instructional day.

     

  • No, the FOCUS Act is a state law that requires each Board of Education in Alabama to adopt a policy that follows the state law. Hoover City Schools Code of Conduct can be found here.   

     

  • The FOCUS Act requirements go into effect beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

  • We are fortunate in Hoover City Schools to have School Resource Officers (SRO) assigned to each school. Hoover City Schools also works closely with the Hoover Police Department, Hoover Fire Department, Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, and Shelby County Emergency Management Agency. We work together to develop and refine our crisis plans each year. School administration will utilize the rapid notification system (ParentSquare) to both keep families informed and provide accurate information.

  • Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, a cellular telephone, tablet computer, laptop computer, pager, gaming device, smart watches, AirPods, or any other portable electronic device that has the capability of exchanging voice, messaging, or other data communication with another electronic device.

     

  • The period of time during which a public elementary or secondary school is open and in session for the purpose of meeting the minimum number of instruction days or hours pursuant to Section 16-13-231, Code of Alabama 1975. The instructional day also includes class transitions, lunch, non-instructional times, and any other time specified in the school system’s wireless communication device policy. 

     

  • Yes, but students’ phones must be turned off and stored off their person, such as in a locker, car, or similar storage location (e.g., backpack, purse, gym bag, pouch, or other designated storage area). 

  • Yes, students may use, operate, or possess a wireless communication device in any of the following circumstances: 

    • If it’s pursuant to a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or Individualized Health Plan. 

    • If it’s for educational or learning purposes with staff supervision as approved by administration.

    • If it’s during an emergency threatening the life or safety of the student or another person.

     

  • Each local school board is required to specify consequences for violations. Please click here for Hoover City Schools Code of Conduct.

    Unauthorized Communication Device – Focus Act: Grades K-5 

    Unauthorized Communication Device – Focus Act: Grades 6-12