Updated School Policy, Practice and Expectations Regarding Student Use of Fidgets

St. Benedict Prep School Guidelines (added to the School Handbook on 2/26/26)

Purpose: 
As a Catholic school committed to the dignity of every child, we recognize that some students benefit from sensory tools—often called fidgets—to support focus, self‑regulation, and learning. These guidelines ensure that fidgets are used in ways that honor the learning environment, promote responsibility, and reflect our school values. 

1. Philosophy and Faith Alignment 

  • We believe each child is created in the image and likeness of God and learns in unique ways. 

  • Sensory tools can support students in managing attention and behavior so they can more fully engage in their God‑given potential. 

  • Fidgets are supports, not toys, and must be used purposefully and respectfully. 

2. What Counts as a Fidget? 

Fidgets are small, unobtrusive sensory tools that help students stay calm, focused, or organized. Examples include: 

  • Stress balls 

  • Fidget cubes or small fidget spinners 

  • Tangle toys 

  • Silent hand fidgets 

Items not considered appropriate fidgets include: 

  • Noisy or light‑up toys 

  • Large objects that draw attention 

  • Items used primarily for entertainment 

  • Anything that becomes a distraction to the user or others 

3. Guidelines for Student Use 

A. Purposeful Use 

Fidgets must help a student: 

  • Maintain or improve focus 

  • Regulate emotions or sensory needs 

  • Stay engaged in instruction 

B. Teacher Permission Required 

  • Students may use fidgets only with teacher awareness and approval. 

  • Teachers may limit or remove fidgets if they become distracting. 

C. Quiet and Non‑Disruptive 

Fidgets must be: 

  • Silent 

  • Used below the desk or in a way that does not draw attention 

  • Manipulated with one hand when possible 

  • Not thrown, shared, or passed around 

D. Safety and Stewardship 

Students are expected to: 

  • Use fidgets appropriately and safely 

  • Care for the tool responsibly 

  • Keep personal fidgets clean and stored properly 

  • Replace lost or broken fidgets themselves 

4. How Students Access Fidgets 

A. Teacher‑Provided or Student‑Provided 

  • Teachers may keep approved fidgets available in their classrooms. Only teacher approved fidgets may be brought to Mass 

  • Students may bring their own with teacher approval. 

B. Accommodation Plans 

Students with sensory or attention needs may have fidgets included in: 

  • Personalized learning plans 

  • Accommodation plans 

  • Intervention supports 

Fidgets listed in a plan must be honored by teachers, and staff will help students understand proper use. 

5. When a Fidget Becomes a Distraction 

If a fidget: 

  • Makes noise 

  • Interferes with class activities 

  • Becomes a toy rather than a tool 

  • Distracts the student or others 

…teachers will intervene using the following steps: 

  1. Gentle redirection 

  2. Temporary removal of the fidget 

  3. Replacement with a school‑approved tool, if appropriate 

  4. Communication with parents if inappropriate use continues 

The final decision on the appropriateness of a fidget rests with the Heads of School.  

6. Role of Parents/Guardians 

Parents are encouraged to: 

  • Discuss with teachers if they believe a child benefits from a fidget 

  • Ensure any fidget brought from home is appropriate, quiet, and non‑distracting 

  • Support the school’s expectations for responsible use 

7. Our Commitment 

As a Catholic school, we commit to: 

  • Supporting the whole child—academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally 

  • Honoring students’ needs while protecting the learning environment 

  • Teaching responsibility, self‑regulation, and respectful behavior 

The BuzzRachel Gemo