New State Law and Policy Updates

USD 417 Community Update: New State Law & Policy Updates for 2026-27

As we prepare to welcome our students back for the upcoming school year, USD 417 remains committed to providing a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment across all of our schools.

To align with new Kansas state law (Senate Sub. for Sub. for HB 2299) and updated Board of Education policies, we are expanding our bell-to-bell device expectations and consolidating district social media accounts.

Here is a quick summary of what our community needs to know:

📱 Distraction-Free Classrooms (Policy JCDC)

• Grades PK–3: Personal electronic devices must be powered off and kept in backpacks during the school day.

• Grades 4–12: Students will continue using Yondr Pouches to power off and secure personal devices bell-to-bell (including lunch and passing periods).

• Multiple Devices: Each student receives one Yondr Pouch. Any additional personal electronics (smartwatches, earbuds, etc.) must remain off and secured in bags or left at home/in vehicles.

💻 Streamlined Social Media & Communication (Policy IIBGC)

• 4 Official Facebook Pages Only: USD 417 District, Council Grove Elementary, Prairie Heights Elementary, and Council Grove Jr/Sr High. All auxiliary classroom, club, and team pages are being permanently closed.

• One-Way Announcements: Direct messaging is disabled on official Facebook pages, and staff will not reply to or engage in public comment threads.

• ParentSquare Hub: All digital two-way communications, practice schedules, and classroom updates take place exclusively on ParentSquare.

We deeply appreciate your continued partnership and support as we implement these state-mandated changes for our students!

Have questions? Please contact your student’s building principal or the district main office.

Sincerely,

Tyson Eslinger

Superintendent of Schools

USD 417 Morris County

#DBLA417 (Dream, Believe, Lead, Achieve)