Effective Date: Tuesday, April 2 2024
We recognize the increasing prevalence of electronic devices such as phones, smartwatches, tablets, and digital cameras among students. While these devices can offer educational benefits and convenient communication tools, their misuse can disrupt the learning environment and pose safety concerns. Therefore, it is imperative that all students understand and adhere to our school's electronic expectations to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all.
Expectations:
Starting April 2, 2024, students found in violation of misuse– any behavior or activity that disrupts the learning environment, compromises student safety, or violates school rules, of an electronic device (may include, but not limited to phones, smartwatches, tablets, or digital cameras) will be subject to the following consequences:
A letter will be sent home to be signed by a parent, guardian, or caregiver, acknowledging a commitment to ensuring their child understands proper use of electronic devices. The student may only bring the electronic device to school if the letter is signed and returned. If the letter is not signed and returned, the student will be asked to take the electronic device to the front office for parent/guardian pick up and signature.
The student will be asked to take the device to the front office for parent/guardian pickup and will not be allowed to bring the device back to school for 5 school days.
The student will be asked to take the device to the front office, and a parent must come to the school to pick up the device and meet with an administrator regarding proper usage. The device will not be allowed back on campus for 10 school days.
Exceptions
Exceptions may be made for students with medical needs requiring electronic devices. Parents or guardians must contact me for approval prior to bringing a device to school. If approved, the classroom teacher, parent/guardian and I will collaborate on an appropriate plan for the students.
Parent/School Communication
Our protocols for communicating PM transportation changes, medication updates, and other important student notifications remain unchanged. Please continue to reach out to your child's teacher or the front office to relay this information.
The Intersection of Technology and Safety
It is the responsibility of both the school and parents/guardians to collaborate in fostering a culture of responsible technology usage among our students. We recognize that the landscape of technology and its impact on our educational environment is constantly evolving–and that our updated electronic expectations are not rigid or “fixed,” but rather adaptable to meet the changing needs and challenges of our school community. While we expect these expectations to be in place for the remainder of the 2023-2024 academic school year, we are committed to ensuring that they remain relevant.
To achieve this we plan to utilize informal focus groups to engage with staff, students, and parents at the end of the academic year. These focus groups will serve as platforms for soliciting additional thoughts, experiences with the above expectations, and for collecting other considerations. We recognize the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that voices from all segments of our community are represented in this process—to the extent possible. Our ultimate goal is to collaborate as best we can in addressing the complex intersection of safety and technology.
–Hopkins
