Orange Unified School District welcomed students back to classrooms today as the 2026-27 school year officially got underway. Across our schools, students, families, teachers, and staff came together to begin a new year filled with opportunities to learn, connect, grow, and succeed. 

As students return, Orange Unified is also beginning a districtwide effort to strengthen student engagement, connection, well-being, and academic success. The effort includes the implementation of Board Policy 5131.8, Mobile Communication Devices, which establishes expectations for smartphone and other mobile device use during the school day. In elementary and middle schools, mobile communication devices are prohibited during the instructional day and must be turned off and out of sight. At the high school level, students may use devices during non-instructional time and for approved educational purposes, while devices must be turned off and out of sight during instructional time. 

The goal extends beyond limiting phone use. The initiative is designed to create classroom environments where students can focus more deeply on learning, build meaningful relationships with peers and educators, participate in school activities, and experience a stronger sense of connection and belonging. 

The District also recognizes that families want their children to have access to communication in an emergency. School front offices remain available to connect families with students when needed, and ParentSquare continues to serve as the District’s official notification system for schoolwide emergencies and important updates. 

Throughout the year, Orange Unified will continue building on the strengths of its schools while looking ahead to what is possible for its scholars, families, staff, and communities. 

Here’s to a year of learning, connection, growth, and new possibilities.