Commerce Public Schools

📵 Cell Phone Policy FAQ ⚖️ Policy Background Q: Why this big change now? A: Senate Bill 139 was passed into law by the Oklahoma Legislature and goes into effect July 1, 2025. It requires all public school districts to restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day unless approved by both a parent and the superintendent (or designee). While Commerce has previously allowed limited use during lunch and passing periods, the new law mandates a stricter, more consistent approach. Our updated policy reflects these legal requirements and supports a focused, distraction-free learning environment. 💬 Communication & Contact Q: How can I contact my child during the school day if they don’t have their phone? A: Students can be reached through their school email (accessed on their Chromebook), or by calling the school office. We will always relay important messages as needed. Q: What if I need to remind my child about something after school, like an appointment? A: Students still have access to their school email — it’s a reliable and familiar way to send reminders. You’re also welcome to call the office, and we’ll be happy to pass along the message. 📱 Daily Logistics & Expectations Q: What does “bell to bell” mean? A: “Bell to bell” refers to the instructional portion of the school day — from the first bell that starts classes to the final bell that ends the school day. Phones are not to be used during this time unless otherwise approved. Q: What happens at dismissal? Do bus riders get their phones back? A: Yes. Students will have access to their phones at the end of the school day before leaving or boarding the bus. The “bell to bell” policy applies during the instructional day only. Q: What if a student is walking home and something happens to them? A: Students will have access to their phones as soon as the school day ends. The “bell to bell” policy only applies during instructional hours. This policy does not limit access to phones outside of those times. Before and after school, students are allowed to use their phones. As always, student safety is a top priority. Q: Lunch is a good time to let students use their phones. Why is that part of the rule? A: The bill requires it. At CMS and CHS, we’ve previously allowed phone use between classes and at lunch. However, lawmakers expressed interest in promoting real conversations and social interaction during lunch without screens. Lunch is one of the few unstructured times during the day when students can connect face-to-face, and this rule helps protect that opportunity. 🚫 Discipline & Consequences Q: What’s the punishment if a student has their phone out during the day? A: The current discipline policy for cell phone violations is outlined in the student handbook, which is linked on our website and provided during school registration. It’s always a good idea to review the handbook and stay familiar with school expectations. That said, our current policy is being updated this summer to align with the new state law. 🧠 Purpose, Exceptions & Appropriate Tech Use Q: Why allow Chromebooks but take away phones? Aren’t they both screens? A: Chromebooks are educational tools provided and managed by the school. They are filtered and monitored to meet federal CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) compliance requirements. Phones, on the other hand, are personal devices that often introduce distractions — social media, messaging, games, and more. This policy isn’t about screen time; it’s about purposeful tech use that supports learning. Q: What about students with special needs or medical reasons? A: Senate Bill 139 includes exceptions for students with documented medical or disability-related needs. We will work with families on a case-by-case basis. If your child needs access to a phone for health monitoring, let the school know so we can make appropriate accommodations. The bill specifically states: “Use of cell phones or personal electronic devices by students who use them to monitor health issues.” 🚨 Emergencies & Special Circumstances Q: What if there’s a lockdown and I can’t get in touch with my child? A: In emergencies, school staff follow strict safety procedures to keep students safe. During lockdowns, phone use is discouraged to avoid misinformation and prevent interference with emergency operations. Many 911 centers report being overwhelmed by panicked calls from families, which delays responses to real-time threats. You’ll receive verified updates from the district or emergency responders. Q: Does this rule apply on field trips, athletic events, or extracurriculars? A: The “bell to bell” policy applies during the regular school day. Phone use outside of that — including during school-sponsored activities — will be determined by the supervising staff and the nature of the event. Coaches and sponsors will communicate expectations directly with students.

📵 New State Law: Cell Phone Use Restricted During School Day (Starting 2025-2026) 📵 Oklahoma’s Governor has signed Senate Bill 139 into law, which requires all students to have cell phones and personal electronic devices turned off and put away during the entire school day — from the first bell to the last. 🔹 This applies to all grade levels, including middle and high school students, who were previously allowed to use phones during lunch or passing periods. 🔹 School-issued Chromebooks and other approved devices will still be allowed for instructional use. We have found that the temptation to turn a phone on is simply too strong for many students when they’re allowed to carry it throughout the day. In an effort to follow Senate Bill 139 and maintain a distraction-free environment, cell phone lockers will be located at the main entrances of both Commerce Middle School and Commerce High School. 🔐 Each student will be assigned a locker number to store their phone each morning. Lockers will be placed under surveillance and secured by the office after phones are turned in. 🚗 Students may also choose to leave their phone at home or in their vehicle. 📱 According to the bill, “Personal electronic devices include, but are not limited to, smart watches, smart headphones, laptops, tablets, and smart glasses.” 📄 Parents and students who would like to read the full bill can find it here: 👉 https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20ENR/SB/SB139%20ENR.PDF Thank you for supporting a focused, safe, and respectful learning environment at Commerce Public Schools. 💙🐯

CHS Boys basketball had a great 2 days at NSU🟢⚪️basketball team camp! Future so bright! Go Tigers 🐯 💙

📣 Attention Parents! Tiger Cheer Camp is coming! 🐯📣 Join the CHS Cheerleaders for two days of fun and spirit July 10–11! Open to all students entering Pre-K through 6th grade. More details will be shared soon—stay tuned!

Come Join Our Team!

Tiger Cheer had a great week at NCA Cheer Camp! We had 4 All-American Cheerleader nominees, an All-American Mascot Nominee, and 2 All-American Cheerleaders! They placed 2nd in both the Game Day and Rally Routine competitions. Go Tigers!!

Commerce Public Schools is excited to partner with Compass Academy this summer! We will be providing transportation from Commerce High School to Quapaw for middle school students participating in Compass Academy’s summer program. Thank you to Compass Academy and the Quapaw Nation for including our students in this incredible opportunity! Families are invited to attend a Party in the Park at Quapaw to learn more about the program. CAN is open to students entering grades 6-9. All students must submit an Application. Applications must be accompanied by a School Form submitted by a teacher or administrator. 📅 Visit https://www.compassacademynetwork.org/ to learn more and apply online!

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) has requested that all schools post this on their website. MEMORANDUM Date: May 20, 2025 To: Public From: OSSAA Subject: Public Service Announcement – One-Time Change of School Hardship Waiver To be eligible for a one-time change of school hardship, students must submit a Student Transfer Application through the State Department of Education’s website between June 1st and July 15th. If a student is returning to their home district, the school must provide documentation showing the student began the enrollment process on or before July 15th. Details of the criteria can be found on the OSSAA Website under “One Time Change of School Hardship Criteria.” Students who miss the July 15th deadline will not be granted a hardship under the “one-time change of school” criteria. A hardship waiver submitted after the deadline must demonstrate an unusual, unforeseen, or unavoidable circumstance that compelled the student to change schools. Once the student has begun the enrollment process, the school is responsible for submitting the hardship waiver to the OSSAA.

Congratulations 2025 Tiger Soccer players who earned post season honors.

Congratulations 2025 Lady Tiger Soccer players who earned post season honors.

🐾 Tiger Basketball Camp Update! 🐾 The t-shirt deadline has been extended to Saturday, May 24! 🏀 Camp Dates: June 5th & 6th 💵 Cost: $40 per camper 🕓 Camp Times: • Middle School (Grades 6–8): 4:00–6:00 PM • Kindergarten–5th Grade: 6:00–8:00 PM 📍 Sign Up: • Visit the Commerce Days Basketball Booth • Or sign up online here: https://tinyurl.com/4scb89uk Secure your spot and guarantee your t-shirt—don’t miss out!

8th Grade 2025 Graduation Slideshow https://youtu.be/gQjzkidpCyk

🌟 Enrollment Open for Grand Head Start! 🌟 We're excited to announce that we're now accepting applications for the new school year! If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1st, 2025, we’d love to have them join us! 📍 Locations: Miami, Commerce & Quapaw 📞 Contact us for more info: - 918-542-9642 - 918-675-5556 - 918-674-2700 ✅ Requirements: Please provide your child’s hospital or state-certified birth certificate and proof of income or no income at the time of application. We also offer services for children with disabilities. 🌐 Apply online at www.grandheadstart.com or scan the QR code on our flyer to enroll! ✨ We also have job opportunities available! If you're passionate about early childhood education, check out our openings! Spread the word! Let’s help our little ones get the best start in their education.

Middle School Tornado Shelter is open. Others will open if needed based on space and capacity needs. Stay weather aware!

Commerce High School – Class of 2025 Join us as we honor this year’s graduating seniors! Baccalaureate – Sunday, May 19 at 3:00 PM Graduation – Sunday, May 19 at 4:00 PM Location: CHS Gymnasium Both events will be livestreamed at: https://fan.hudl.com/_/_/_/organization/_/_/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0MjQzMzg4Ng== Come celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025—whether in person or online! #ClassOf2025 #CommercePride #CHSGraduation

Congratulations to Lacy Brough on signing to continue her basketball and academic career at SWOSU! 🏀 Your talent, dedication, and hard work on and off the court have led you to this incredible opportunity. We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to cheer you on as you take this next step! Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter! #GoBulldogs #NextLevel

Congratulations to our athletes for earning All District Honorable Mention! Your hard work and dedication have paid off! #GoTigers

End of year schedule...

Eight talented Commerce students were selected to join the 41st PSU 4-State Honor Band, chosen from high schools across the four-state area out of more than 200 participants. After a full day of rehearsals, meeting fellow musicians, and preparing challenging music, they capped off the evening with an unforgettable two-hour concert. Their selection and performance are a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication they’ve shown all year. Congratulations to these outstanding student musicians!

🚨 SAFETY ALERT FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS 🚨 A dangerous trend called “Chromebook Smoke” is circulating on TikTok. It involves inserting pencil graphite or metal objects into Chromebook USB ports, which can cause: 🔥 Fires or overheating 💻 Chromebook battery explosions ☠️ Toxic smoke exposure 🚑 Risk of serious injury We know you care about your child’s safety, and we do too. That’s why we’re asking all parents to talk with their students about the risks and the real-life consequences of this behavior — far beyond social media likes. 📱 Important to know: 🔹This damage is not covered by chromebook insurance 🔹Families will be charged the $250 replacement cost 🔹This is destruction of school property and may lead to disciplinary action or legal consequences 🎥 See national coverage here: 🔗 NBC News Report Let’s work together to keep our students safe.