Recently, administration and staff have taken increased notice of students on their phones in class. The superintendent also directed the school to take further action when it comes to the communication about and enforcement of the existing policy which reads:
1. Electronic devices including cell phones are discouraged at school.
2. Students are not to have cell phones or personal electronic devices out during any class. If you have an emergency and need to contact your parents during class, you may come down to the main office and either use your phone or a school.
3. Personal electronic devices are never to be out in the locker rooms or bathrooms.
4. Before 8:10am and after 3:35pm electronic device usage is allowed at school along with between classes and lunch to better enhance communication between parents and students for after school activities and study halls.
5. Failure to follow the electronic device policy will result in the device being confiscated, turned into the main office and will result in discipline procedures. The second offense will result in a parent conference with administration and the student. Further violations may lead to detention and/or suspension.
This is a three-strike policy. If you are caught with your phone out the first time, the device policy will be confiscated. Strike one. The second offense will result in a parent conference with the administration and the student. Strike two. Further violations may lead to detention and/or suspension. Strike three. You’re out!
Teachers are in agreement with the policy while some think this rule should apply beyond just SVHS. “I think it should be a district-wide rule. It would be unfair to all of the other teachers and students.”
Is it too late for juniors and seniors who have had a few years of more relaxed phone policy enforcement? Junior Taytan Killian thinks so. ” We should have our phones because if there is a family problem, yes, your parents can call the school, but that takes time. Some times the school will not answer, and without your phone, you will become out of the loop with your family and friends that have their phones at all times.”
Doug Most of Boston University referenced a 14-country study by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). He said, “The study recommends a ban on smartphones at school for students of all ages, and says the data are unequivocal, showing that countries that enforce restrictions see improved academic performance and less bullying.”
With so much information coming out about the negative influence of cell phones on students during the school day, expect enforcement of the school policy to get more strict.
