CELL PHONE COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
The 2025 Wisconsin Act 42 is a state law enacted on October 31, 2025, that requires all public school boards to adopt local policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time by July 1, 2026. The law covers cellphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices, but allows local boards to choose stricter rules.
In response to Act 42 and the growing use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other devices that distract from the learning environment, the Seneca Area School District has implemented the following policy:
POLICY PROHIBITING STUDENT USE OF COMMUNICATION DEVICES
High school and Middle school students who choose to use or possess cell phones, smartwatches, or other electronic listening devices will be expected to turn them off and place them in a designated area before their first class of the day. Elementary students should keep their cell phones with their teacher.
Students who need to have a cell phone during the school day must get administrative approval.
Students who use/possess their cell phones or other devices without permission at school, as listed above, will face the following disciplinary consequences:
*1st Violation: The device will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day.
*2nd Violation: The device will be confiscated, and the student will serve an after-school detention.
*3rd Violation: The device will be confiscated, and the student will serve an after-school detention.
*4th and subsequent Violations: The device will be confiscated, and the student will serve an after-school detention. The device will be turned in to the school administration, and a meeting with a guardian/parent will be held.
Locker rooms/Restrooms: Students who use a phone in the locker room or restroom will receive a Major Offense on the Log Card Steps.
To promote respect for privacy, intellectual integrity, and a positive learning environment, students are also prohibited from photographing, filming, or recording students or staff at school or school-related events without the permission of the school administration and the party being photographed, filmed, or recorded.
School Board Approved
Date: 07/20/2026
Please send your highest bid to:
Attention: District Administrator
Seneca Area School District
202 Main Street, PO Box 34
Seneca, WI 54654
Or email: aosterkamp@seneca.k12.wi.us
Code meeting paperwork has also been updated on the website.
If you were unable to attend the code meeting last night, you can print paperwork from the website under the athletic tab or you can pick up copies in the office. Those who did not attend the meeting will need to complete the code test which will be available next week.
Questions, please email senecaad@seneca.k12.wi.us
https://www.seneca.k12.wi.us/documents/athletics%2Fextracurricular/printable-schedules/251754
Wauzeka - Monday + Tuesday, 6 - 8 PM, Football Field
Seneca - Wednesday + Thursday, 6 - 8 PM, Football Field
Please note that the dates highlighted in BLUE are now designated as dates of importance and are no longer early release days(unless indicated).
Instead of having several early release days throughout the year, we are moving to full in-service days. This change gives our staff dedicated time for professional learning while helping provide students with more consistent instructional time throughout the school year.
Printable Version: https://aptg.co/hblMMn
Reminder: The Code of Conduct meeting is Wednesday, July 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the gym.
This meeting is for all students in grades 5–12 who plan to participate in any sport or extracurricular activity during the 2026–2027 school year. If you still have spring sports uniforms, please bring them with you.
Here is the meal menu.
Reminder, the Summer Lunch Program is open to the public and kids under 18 are FREE!
Reminder, if you have not signed your 6th-12th grade athlete up for fall sports, please do so using this link. The yearly code of conduct meeting is next Wednesday, July 22nd @ 7:00pm in the gym. Questions, please reach out to Senecaad@seneca.k12.wi.us
Fall Sports sign-up link: https://forms.gle/JPePdiCnkj7ATW788
