In the interest of our student's health, safety, and education, we will require every student to leave his or her phone turned off and in their locker or leave them at home. Students must keep their turned off phones in their locker or at home between 8:35 a.m. and 4:37 p.m.
This also includes lunch/recess.
We feel this decision will support our goal to build and maintain a positive school culture and community for our students. Like many schools in the U.S., we are struggling with school bullying and student distraction with cell phones.
Science and research supports students who do not have the freedom of accessing their phones during school hours, are more engaged socially and academically. https://www.awayfortheday.org/research/
There is also growing concern about the long-term impact of cell phone/technology use on brain development and healthy social emotional development.
We realize this decision may make some families nervous, however parents can communicate to their child any time of day through the front office. Students will be able to access their phones at 4:37 pm
Violations to device expectations are as follows:
Mr. McMillan will give a reminder/warning at the start of every day during announcements.
After that, the device will be confiscated by the staff member and turned in to the office. Parents will have to pick up the device in the office.