Families will find new hours and policies this fall at some Wayne County schools, including a statewide restriction on personal technology use.
Personal technology
To comply with Indiana General Assembly’s new statewide law, students attending public and charter schools must either power off their cell phones and other electronics and put them in lockers throughout the day, or not bring them onto campus at all.
Most area schools have chosen to allow students to securely store personal devices inside the school but ban their use between the first and last bells of the instructional day.
In addition to phones, items that must be put away include smart watches, wireless earbuds, headphones, personal tablets, gaming devices and smart glasses.
A few exceptions include school-issued devices, Individualized Education Program/504 accommodations, medical accommodations, teacher-approved educational use or emergencies authorized by administrators.
Families needing to contact their students during the school day should call their school’s main office.
In a May news release, State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) said he wrote Senate Enrolled Act 78 that prohibits public and charter students from using personal electronic devices during the school day “to ensure our students are focusing on their education.”
He cited a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics saying 53% of public-school leaders believe student academic performance has been impacted by cell phone usage, and 72% believe cell phone usage has a negative impact on student mental health.
The new bill expanded upon Raatz’ 2024 bill that prohibited using personal technology during instructional time.
Raatz faces a challenger, Democrat Ron Itnyre, in the November election.
Western Wayne
Families might notice new hours, only allowing clear bottles and plain water, and a ban on fast food and food deliveries.
Classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Food and beverages: Officials say to promote healthy hydration and maintain a safe school environment, students may only bring clear water bottles containing water. Banned items include flavored water, water enhancers/flavor packets, soda, sports and energy drinks, coffees, and other beverages.
While students can still pack their lunches, fast food or outside food deliveries are not allowed.
Hours: Lincoln Middle/High School’s new schedule is 7:55 a.m.-2:55 p.m.
Western Wayne Elementary starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Latchkey opens at 6:30 a.m. for preschool through sixth grade with drop-off at the cafeteria. Latchkey doors close at 7:30 a.m. because front doors open at 7:45.
WWS officials say the changes are being made to improve student focus and learning, school safety and reduce classroom disruptions, as well as promote healthy habits and create consistent expectations across both schools. They thank families for partnering with them as they continue to create the best possible learning environment.
The Cambridge City-based district is continuing its superintendent hiring process, conducting executive sessions on July 22, 23 and 29 to receive information about, and interview, prospective employees.
Centerville-Abington
No major changes are planned at Centerville-Abington Community Schools this fall.
CACS has added bus stops to pick up transfer students in Pershing/East Germantown, Connersville and Williamsburg this year. Families can request bus stop access at 765-855-3475.
Students’ first day is Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Nettle Creek
Communities in Schools of Wayne County will help distribute free backpacks at Jubilee Days activities on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, while supplies last with help from Land O’Lakes Inc.
The first student day for the Hagerstown-area district is Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Northeastern Wayne
Northeastern Wayne Schools students return to the classroom Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a slightly different schedule.
Last November, NWS’ board approved Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien’s recommendation for early release Tuesdays in the 2026-27 school year. She said dismissing early on one day would provide consistent teacher professional development and communication opportunities.
This year’s new schedule means:
Early Learning Center begins at 8:15 a.m., ending at 1:50 p.m. Tuesdays and 2:30 p.m. other days.
Northeastern Elementary starts at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Tuesdays, versus 2:35 p.m. other days for car riders. Buses load at 2:45 p.m.
Middle and high school begin at 8 a.m. and dismiss at 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 3:05 p.m. other days.
NWS also has added a bus stop at Arco in Lynn in hopes of recruiting transfer students from southern Randolph County.
Richmond
While Richmond Community Schools is keeping its same schedule when students return Wednesday, Aug. 5, it’s changing how the school year is structured.
RCS is transitioning from a six-week grading period to a nine-week grading period.
Each semester will consist of two nine-week grading periods, for a total of four grading periods per school year.
School officials say students will have additional time to absorb and master material before assessments, creating a smoother, more supportive learning environment. Teachers will gain greater flexibility to pace their lessons and manage grading more effectively.
A version of this article appeared in the July 29 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
