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🌞 Open 🌞 Announcements

August 25, 2024

🌞 Open 🌞 Announcements August 25, 2024

January 13- 17, 2025

Winter Reset

We hope everyone has remained safe and healthy over the past week. It is with excitement that we welcome students back on Monday! Non bus-riders - please plan to arrive by 8:15 AM to get in from the cold and avoid a line. The new Cell-Phone Free Education policy goes into effect, so make sure devices are off and away for the entirety of the day.


Take note of these calendar adjustments and reminders:

  • Jan 15, Full Day for teachers and students (previously closed for students)
  • Jan 20, MLK Day (RPS closed)
  • Jan 24, End date Marking Period 2 / Semester 1
  • Feb 17, President's Day (RPS closed)
  • Feb 18, Full Day for teachers and students (previously closed for students)


All members of the Open community are welcome to attend Tuesday's PTSA Meeting at 6:30 PM to share concerns and identify ways to support our students and school. Join us virtually at

https://rvaschools-net.zoom.us/j/81088052771?pwd=0lQVTljfIUlbmFJCI0wb5nXgHQr8aR.1
Meeting ID: 810 8805 2771
Passcode: 707459


For those participating in the Hydration Kickoff Events this week, please see Jasmine's email.


Registration for Electives, Spring 2025 will take place on Thursday during a short Family Meeting at 1:25 PM.


Never hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or feedback. Have a great week!

Sincerely,


Clary Carleton, Principal

cwashing@rvaschools.net

804-780-4661

Cell Phone-Free Education - January 2025

The RPS Acceptable Technology & Cell Phone Use Policy goes into affect tomorrow morning. PLEASE arrive by 8:15 so students have ample time to power off their phones and open their backpacks for security.


Parents, caregivers, and students: Be sure to review the full policy to understand what’s changing and how it supports student success. Together, let’s create a focused, safe, and supportive learning environment!


As most know, RPS is implementing a cell phone-free learning environment for all students as required by Virginia Executive Order 33. This shift should not have a tremendous impact on our students, but we ask for caregiver support as we work to consistently enforce the policy.


The major changes for Open are as follows:

  • phones must be powered off on entrance to the building and remain off while in the building
  • phones must be stored out-of-sight and will no longer be stored in cell hotels
  • phones can no longer be used during lunch (or between classes) in the building
  • phones can no longer be used by seniors during free periods in the building

Students may use their cell phones:

  • outside of the school building during the designated lunch period (but never between classes)
  • while riding the school bus by utilizing headphones, earbuds, or personal listening equipment so as not to disturb others.

  • at the conclusion of the day, at after-hour school-sponsored events provided that they do not disrupt or interfere with the activity or program that is taking place.


In addition, students may not use other β€œPersonal Electronic Communication Devices” which are defined as any personal device capable of connecting to a smartphone, the internet, a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connecting to another similar device. Personal electronic communication devices may include some wearable devices such as smartwatches, as well as personal headphones, laptops, tablets, and other future personal electronic communication devices with the abovementioned characteristics.


Consequences for Cell Phone Misuse:

  • 1st Time: Verbal warning and documentation by school staff.

  • 2nd Time: Written warning, parental/caregiver contact, and potential for temporary confiscation of the device that may require caregiver pick up.

  • 3rd Time: Disciplinary action, such as restorative room assignment for a class period or day, or out-of-school suspension (depending on the severity and frequency of violations). This may also include temporary confiscation of the device and recommendation to return to zoned school.


Students who refuse to surrender their device when requested by a staff member may be subject to reassignment to the restorative room, suspension from school, or return to zoned school. Please read more below about connecting with your student during school hours and exceptions for students who have accomodations for devices like noise-canceling headphones.


Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding this new policy.

PTSA

The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM. Please become a member and make your voice heard. Your dues are an important funding source for our school, supporting field trips, teacher classroom supplies, student clubs, monthly breakfasts, senior scholarships, the fall festival, the end-of-the year picnic, teacher appreciation week, holiday treats, and more! Joining does not obligate you to anything although we are always looking for more help! Extra donations are also very much appreciated. Consider linking your Kroger Shopper's Card to the Open High PTSA.

Clary Carleton
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