Technology is a key tool for education in Saline Area Schools. The District approach focuses on how to best harness new technology and utilize current technology to provide developmentally appropriate learning resources, improve instruction, and increase student achievement while also developing students’ digital citizenship skills.
District administrators continuously reflect on observations in schools/classrooms, data from building technology and disciplinary records, as well as current research to determine steps the district can take to create safe, supportive spaces for our students. We recognize the need to address some of the needs that have arisen with the increased integration of technology - specifically how cell phones and other mobile devices impact the learning environment. Mobile device (cell phones, smart watches, airpods, etc) usage in the classroom and in our students' lives have become an ever-increasing distraction to student learning and focus during the school day and has negatively impacted our abilities to maintain a stable and productive learning environment.
for Y5-8th grade students
Email access will be limited to salinehornets.org/salineschools.org access only
Social media access will be inaccessible via school wifi, on an SAS device, or when logged in with salinehornets.org account
Students do not have access to Google Meet
for Y5-12th grade students
Student YouTube users who are signed in with their @salinehornets accounts can watch restricted (think “G rated”) and staff approved videos only. Some content may still be available via student search, however it will be vastly limited.
Securly: Any student using a district provided internet connection (ie. SAS-BYOD, SAS-DEVICES, SAS-iPad) will have that connection filtered through Securly.
Mobile Devices (cellphones, smart watches, airpods, etc) in the Instructional Setting:
Y5-5th graders: Mobile devices should go in backpacks when they enter the building and remain there until the dismissal bell. Students are not to use their mobile devices during school hours.
6th-8th graders Mobile devices should go in backpacks or lockers or in the designated classroom caddy when they enter the building and remain there until the dismissal bell. Students are not to use their mobile devices during school hours.
9th-12th graders: Mobile devices are required to be out of reach either in their backpacks or classroom device caddies during each class period. 9th-12th grade students may access their devices when not in an instructional environment.
*Mobile devices may be used in a classroom when directed by the teacher for academic purposes only.
**Some students with medical conditions may have permission to carry/use their mobile device as part of their IEP, 504 or Individualized Health Plans in order to help manage their health needs in the school setting.
The consequences of using mobile devices will remain the same as in the student’s SAS building handbook. Students using mobile devices without authorization:
First Offense: Student may be asked to surrender his/her phone to the teacher and can pick up the phone from the building’s main office at the end of the day.
Second Offense: Student will be asked to surrender his/her phone to the teacher and student's parent can pick up the phone from the office at the end of the day.
Third Offense: Student will be asked to surrender his/her phone to the teacher and student's parent will be able to pick it up at the end of the day. Other consequences may be assigned by Administration
Fourth and Subsequent Offenses: Administration discretion on consequences
District administrators and staff appreciate students and families partnering with us in this shift. This is an attempt by all of us to help students maintain their focus and engagement with what is most important, namely learning success in school and social emotional wellness.
