"Can You Hear Me Now?"
Cell Phones at School Are a Hot Topic
by Harv Wewel
September 05, 2007
Cell phone use in schools is a hot topic around the state and nation. I ‘m sure parents have heard about their use here at ACS from students. Cell phones were discussed with students in student orientation sessions on the second day of school.
There has been quite a bit of buzz about how phones should be used, where they can be used, and what they can be used for. There are many pros and cons when it comes to use by students at and around school. The obvious advantage is parent communication with student(s). The not-so-obvious drawbacks are the uses that may take away from our school system’s educational integrity. Cell phones, like other types of technology, gain more uses and become more sophisticated every day. Phone use, text messaging, photos, video, and Internet access all add to the usefulness and, unfortunately, possible misuse.
We want to ensure the integrity of our classrooms and school in general as far as the educational process is concerned. We want to make sure that testing, for example, is fair and honest for all students. Also, we want classrooms, hallways, and locker rooms to be safe, secure, and free of any kind of possible harassment. Cyber bullying is real. We don’t want these negative aspects that exist in our society to be present in our school.
We have operated with cell phone use here in school quite well to this point. We are not aware of any specific incidents of misuse by students in the past. We do, however, want to be proactive and head off any future problems. As phones become more powerful and signals become stronger, there is greater potential for misuse. In the past, we have told students that if a cell phone causes a disruption, it will be confiscated. Basically, we are following that same procedure. However, we have “spelled it out” more clearly for students. These procedures will be followed:
From the time students enter the school building until they leave the school building, including the locker rooms during activity practice, “if we see it or we hear it, we will take it” . When a cell phone is confiscated from a student, it will be brought to the office. At the end of the day, the student can come in and the phone will be returned to the student. If a phone is taken a second time from the same student, the only way the phone will be returned is if a parent picks it up. If a phone is taken a third time from a student, it will be kept indefinitely and that student will lose the privilege of having a cell phone at school.
Middle School and High School students will have the opportunity to use their phones outside the building before and after school. Calling home to be picked up after practice or to make plans for after school will still be available to students. High School students will also be able to use their phones outside the building during open campus at lunch time.
We want to thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation with this issue. It is not an issue that has a perfect solution, but if we all work together we can make it work for all concerned. Thank you, parents, and we look forward to a wonderful and enjoyable 2007-2008 school year!
