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Should we or shouldn’t we? That’s a question many school districts are asking nationwide.
The issue? Student usage of electronic devices on school grounds.
It’s an issue that’s taking a new twist at Galva Junior-Senior High School.
Galva School District recently enacted a new policy regarding student usage of electronic devices at the junior-senior high school.
The plan allows both junior high and high school students to use items such as cell phones, iPods, MP3s, tablets and other electronic devices on school grounds. Formerly, such items were banned, except in cars before and after school.
Principal Chad Cox says such a plan can have benefits, but can also open the door to misuse and abuse. He’s urging students and parents to understand the plan completely, and adhere to its directives.
“I request all parents and students read and discuss the new policy,” he said. “Make sure you clearly understand the entire policy – and the consequences for student misuse/abuse of electronic devices at school.
“Please know that possessing and/or using electronic devices on school campus are a privilege, not a right, which may be taken from individuals and/or the entire school at any time,” he added.
Parental involvement is important, Mr. Cox said.
“Parents, please stress the maturity and responsibility it takes from our children to seize this opportunity to improve their education and communication skills with the proper usage of electronic devices at school,” he said.
Although the plan is now in place, students still can’t use their electronic devices on school grounds unless their parent or guardian authorizes it. A signed informational letter is needed in school files.
Revised Policy
Here is the revised policy:
“Student Possession & Usage of Cell Phones/iPods/MP3s/Tablets and Other Electronic Devices”
This policy is designed to allow students to use personal electronics on school grounds. This could be for personal use during non-instructional time, or academic use at the direction of a teacher. We live in an ever changing would of technology. Responsible use on school grounds is an extension of the role of these technologies in our society.
• Cell Phones, Pagers, iPods, MP3s or other Electronic Devices are not to be used in classrooms, without the authorization of the classroom teacher. Cell Phones and other devices are to be turned off. Students should keep these items on their person or in their locker.
• Cell Phones, Pagers, iPods, MP3s or other Electronic Devices may be used before/after school hours and during lunch periods in authorized areas: in the Cafeteria, Senior Lounge and/or Outside Foyer (only with staff supervision) during their lunch periods. Beyond those areas and times, a school supervising adult can give a student permission to make a call from a cell phone.
• Parents should continue to call the school for any emergency situation. We will contact your son/daughter. It is permissible for students to use their cell phone outside of the buildings on school grounds before and/or after school hours.
• The use of the camera feature is strictly forbidden in private areas, such as locker rooms, bathrooms, dressing areas, classrooms, and offices at any time. Such uses will result in immediate disciplinary actions and may also be in violation of criminal codes.
• Smart phones may be used to access the Internet only at a teacher’s direction, and the Internet must be accessed through the school’s wireless network, which is filtered. Unauthorized Internet usage through an unfiltered telecom service is strictly prohibited on school grounds, and a violation of Federal Law.
• Restricted data, such as pornography, explicit music, or text with explicit language is restricted on school grounds. Any electronic device suspected of storing restricted data will be seized, and the owner subject to school sanctions, a possible search by police, and legal sanctions.
• Unauthorized use of these devices in the classrooms, library and/or other unauthorized areas, is a violation of this policy.
Violators of the policy will be subject to disciplinary action: Confiscation of the device until the end of the school day, in addition to, but not limited to:
1st Offense = Saturday detention AND loss of phone privileges for two weeks
2nd Offense = Suspension AND loss of phone privileges for rest of the year
3rd Offense = 10-day Suspension, loss of phone privileges for rest of the year AND may be expelled
• Use of the device for bullying, academic cheating, and/or access to illegal explicit materials will result in more severe consequences, on a case-by-case basis. This could include police involvement and criminal court action.
Should we or shouldn’t we? That’s a question many school districts are asking nationwide.
The issue? Student usage of electronic devices on school grounds.
It’s an issue that’s taking a new twist at Galva Junior-Senior High School.
Galva School District recently enacted a new policy regarding student usage of electronic devices at the junior-senior high school.
The plan allows both junior high and high school students to use items such as cell phones, iPods, MP3s, tablets and other electronic devices on school grounds. Formerly, such items were banned, except in cars before and after school.
Principal Chad Cox says such a plan can have benefits, but can also open the door to misuse and abuse. He’s urging students and parents to understand the plan completely, and adhere to its directives.
“I request all parents and students read and discuss the new policy,” he said. “Make sure you clearly understand the entire policy – and the consequences for student misuse/abuse of electronic devices at school.
“Please know that possessing and/or using electronic devices on school campus are a privilege, not a right, which may be taken from individuals and/or the entire school at any time,” he added.
Parental involvement is important, Mr. Cox said.
“Parents, please stress the maturity and responsibility it takes from our children to seize this opportunity to improve their education and communication skills with the proper usage of electronic devices at school,” he said.
Although the plan is now in place, students still can’t use their electronic devices on school grounds unless their parent or guardian authorizes it. A signed informational letter is needed in school files.
Revised Policy
Here is the revised policy:
“Student Possession & Usage of Cell Phones/iPods/MP3s/Tablets and Other Electronic Devices”
This policy is designed to allow students to use personal electronics on school grounds. This could be for personal use during non-instructional time, or academic use at the direction of a teacher. We live in an ever changing would of technology. Responsible use on school grounds is an extension of the role of these technologies in our society.
• Cell Phones, Pagers, iPods, MP3s or other Electronic Devices are not to be used in classrooms, without the authorization of the classroom teacher. Cell Phones and other devices are to be turned off. Students should keep these items on their person or in their locker.
• Cell Phones, Pagers, iPods, MP3s or other Electronic Devices may be used before/after school hours and during lunch periods in authorized areas: in the Cafeteria, Senior Lounge and/or Outside Foyer (only with staff supervision) during their lunch periods. Beyond those areas and times, a school supervising adult can give a student permission to make a call from a cell phone.
• Parents should continue to call the school for any emergency situation. We will contact your son/daughter. It is permissible for students to use their cell phone outside of the buildings on school grounds before and/or after school hours.
• The use of the camera feature is strictly forbidden in private areas, such as locker rooms, bathrooms, dressing areas, classrooms, and offices at any time. Such uses will result in immediate disciplinary actions and may also be in violation of criminal codes.
• Smart phones may be used to access the Internet only at a teacher’s direction, and the Internet must be accessed through the school’s wireless network, which is filtered. Unauthorized Internet usage through an unfiltered telecom service is strictly prohibited on school grounds, and a violation of Federal Law.
• Restricted data, such as pornography, explicit music, or text with explicit language is restricted on school grounds. Any electronic device suspected of storing restricted data will be seized, and the owner subject to school sanctions, a possible search by police, and legal sanctions.
• Unauthorized use of these devices in the classrooms, library and/or other unauthorized areas, is a violation of this policy.
Violators of the policy will be subject to disciplinary action: Confiscation of the device until the end of the school day, in addition to, but not limited to:
1st Offense = Saturday detention AND loss of phone privileges for two weeks
2nd Offense = Suspension AND loss of phone privileges for rest of the year
3rd Offense = 10-day Suspension, loss of phone privileges for rest of the year AND may be expelled
• Use of the device for bullying, academic cheating, and/or access to illegal explicit materials will result in more severe consequences, on a case-by-case basis. This could include police involvement and criminal court action.
