Yesterday, all students were made aware of the LOJ policy for the 2016-17 school year. This is what was presented to them verbatim:
Our expectation is: ‘Cell phone off and not on you.’
- Cell phones should be switched off and left in your locker before you go to class
- If you bring your phone to class, it must be powered off and placed in the classroom bin. Collect at the end of class
- If phones are seen in the classroom…
- 1st warning – phone goes in the classroom bin
- 2nd warning – phone goes to Mr. Giberson until the end of the day
- 3rd warning – phone goes to Mr. Giberson until end of day and picked up by parents, phone call/email sent home
- Struck out. No more warnings. You have lost your privilege to bring your phone to school for the duration of the trimester.
Now, I am not known as a woman who is often at a loss for words…
Having said that, I was forwarded an email from a principal in a different district that was used to articulate cell phone policy in their building, and it truly resonated with me. I want to share those words with you to hopefully help explain our approach to cell phone and personal electronics usage at LOJ:
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(Used with permission)
As an adult that did not have a cell phone in high school, because they did not exist yet, my feelings about their use and utility to students has certainly evolved as I’ve seen how electronic devices have transformed the landscape of personal communication, particularly for this current generation. The cell phone of today is an amazing device, and I certainly don’t need to tell any of you how important they have become to today’s teenager. But, sometimes, and in some cases, they have become so important and are accessed so much that they can become an impediment to giving one’s attention to just about anything else. Throw in an earbud and a favorite song playing in the background, and it is very hard to compete.
My staff has spoken to me about this issue many times, and I have pushed back over the years, suggesting that they are in charge of their classroom and can and should make a clear policy and enforce it consistently. But, despite many excellent teachers’ best laid plans, students are still accessing their cell phones in class and causing teachers to stop their work and address the issue far too frequently. The problem of cell phone overuse is preventing students, even those with excellent intentions and solid academic skills, from focusing and is dividing their attention, resulting in an undermining of the classroom environment and their own learning.
Other schools and districts have already taken a more aggressive stance on cell phones and electronics, and I now believe that this is the time for us to follow suit and to ask more and expect more from students on this issue.
Below are the changes that students can expect in EVERY CLASSROOM at Wilson when they return:
- Cell phones and other electronic devices are to be OFF AND AWAY when in a classroom unless a teacher has specifically asked for students to use them in some way or for some purpose related to instruction. It will not be enough to lay the phone on the desk face down or to subtly have it tucked down in one’s lap. An earbud snaking up through a jacket and deftly camouflaged behind one’s hair will not be ignored or allowed.
- There will NOT be a mixed bag of different expectations with some teachers who are “cool about it” and others who are more strict. All our staff will have the same expectations regarding cell phone use in class and students are expected to understand and comply.
- We will address individually every instance where a problem arises and, if necessary, follow our progressive disciplinary policy. If a parent conference becomes necessary to discuss a cell phone issue, we’ll let you know.
- The school office is equipped with telephones should you need to contact your student for some unforeseen emergency. If you call us, we will get a message to your student’s classroom in just a few minutes.
- Students will be permitted to use their phones and check their messages before and after school, at lunch and during passing times insofar as they are not delayed in getting to class on time. During class time, using cell phones in the hallways or walking-while-texting on the way to the restroom will also be strongly discouraged.
We want to foster a learning environment that is exceptional and supports the learning needs of all our students. Our motivation behind this action is to raise the bar, not to clamp down or to demonize electronics. Your understanding and support in creating this change in behavior will be greatly appreciated.
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Should you have questions about LOJ’s cell phone policy, please contact myself or Mr. Giberson via email. We will be happy to provide clarification. Thank you for your continued partnership!
