R.F. Pettigrew Panther Tracks

August 2024

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PAWS

o Be Positive

o Be Accountable

o Be Wise

o Be Safe

From the Principal’s Desk

Mr. Kevin Dick

In her column that is found in this edition of the PTO Newsletter, Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem discusses cell phone usage in schools, a current topic that has been circulating in debates in many educational forums. She discusses some of the rationale behind the district policy, and presents some of the current research and information that is relevant to some decisions being made in other learning venues around the state and country. She further puts forth the upcoming work that a focused group of community members will engage in to consider possible updates of the current policy of the Sioux Falls School District. After reading this article, I thought it would be important to accompany this article going home with some procedures that we follow at Pettigrew School.

The current Sioux Falls School District adopted policy, found in the discipline matrix of the school district, is stated as such:

Cell Phones/Personal Devices: (PROHIBITED:) Possessing a cell phone, or other personal device, that is turned on and/or within view, on school property between the first bell or last bell of the school day, or on buses contracted by the District, unless otherwise authorized by school officials.

This policy is then, the task of individual schools, to follow and to interpret into their own context and to implement the list of consequences related to each item found on the matrix.

The Pettigrew Parent/Student Handbook that is reviewed and revised before each school year, states the following, as it relates to student cell phones and other personal devices at Pettigrew School:

Cell Phones/Smart Watches: Student cell phones are to be turned off and placed in their backpacks once they enter the school grounds and may not be turned on until the student is off the school grounds following dismissal. If a student is found with their cell phone during school hours or the cell phone is not turned off and becomes a distraction to the learning environment, the phone will be taken to an administrator in the office. The first offense is considered a warning, and the phone will be returned to the child at the end of the school day. Subsequent offenses will constitute an Office Referral and parents will be contacted. Other electronic devices that have cellular capabilities (including Smartwatches) will be treated as a cell phone.

Typically, the interaction at school proceeds in this fashion, first the staff at Pettigrew teaches the current practice and expectations at Pettigrew School to all students. Then, if necessary, a staff member will remind individual students of the procedure and expectations, and even enforce these expectations with a reminder of allowing a device to be placed in the appropriate location and status for the situation where the device is encountered during the school day. If a personal device continues to be present during the school day, the outlined set of guidance is initiated, essentially confiscating the device and expecting the student to comply with the expectations, once the device is returned.

There are a variety of reasons for the outlined expectations and procedures, but the bottom line is to reduce the number of distractions present in the learning environment, so we can do the important work of focused student learning and interaction with important curriculum. The Pettigrew Mission statement reads as follows -- To educate and prepare each student to succeed in a changing world by emphasizing growth in social skills, emotional well-being, and academic progress. Our implementation of this mission is related to the fact that if social skills and emotional well-being are being addressed, we will be able to make the most academic progress possible. As it relates to cell phones and other devices, the skill we are expecting is following directions and expectations, so that we can indeed focus on that all-important area of academic success.

We acknowledge the importance of cell phones and other devices for student safety and communication in other situations, but at school, since the school issues technology devices for educational uses to all students, we simply understand that the best and most appropriate context of student use of personal devices is outside of the school hours and location. We also look forward to the work that is coming in the future of the community group the district will be implementing and anticipate how this work may impact current and future practices as Pettigrew.

Our staff at Pettigrew have worked hard to prepare for a successful school year and have set the stage for learning and focusing on the Core Values of PAWS (Positive, Accountable, Wise and Safe), the 7 Mindsets and the overall mission of our school. Let’s make it the best school year our students have ever encountered, together.

School Safety Information

Morning Drop Off Procedures: Please see our video about our current procedures at this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJxhqDrpNTY&feature=youtu.be

Some highlights are:

Parents may drop off their children by driving through the drop off loop between the school’s main entrance and the parking lot. Please do not park in the loop! It is only for dropping off and picking up students in the RIGHT LANE (never use the left lane for students to exit or enter a vehicle).
Parking is only allowed in the parking lot. If you are using the parking lot, please park in a stall and accompany your child to the school or playground.
Drivers should remember that state law requires all cars to stop for any pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Only buses or day care vans are allowed in the bus drop off area on the west side of the school.

After School Pick Up Procedures:

Parents/Guardians who wish to pick up their child after school may stop in the right lane of the loop for picking up their child following dismissal but must remain in their vehicle.
All students who walk home or meet a ride will need to exit their designated playground door.
Those who ride a bus or a day care van will exit through the playground doors and then proceed to the west end of the school to meet the bus or day care van. If your child rides a bus but has a change in after school plans on any day, PLEASE call the school office no later than 2:00 PM of that day. If your child rides a day care van, inform the day care of any changes in your plans. Also, notify your classroom teacher of any after school changes from the normal routine.
Only buses or day care vans are allowed in the bus drop off area on the west side of the school. The northbound curb area of Klein Street is also designated by the city as bus and day care waiting area, please respect these expectations.
If you choose to meet your child after school as they exit the building, you are expected to park in the lot or street and meet on the playground. The left lane of the drive-through loop always needs to be kept open. It is NOT for waiting in your car for students NOR for parking and going on the playground or in the building.
For security reasons, if you wish to speak with a teacher, or plan to pick up your child at the classroom door, you will need to come through the office and sign-in and out.

Security Measures at Pettigrew:

All doors, except the front doors which lead to the office, are always locked.
ALL parents/guardians and visitors must enter the school through the office, provide a driver’s license or other form of government-issued ID that can be scanned by our check-in system, and wear a visitor’s badge available in the office when inside the school building. The badge lets others know you have signed in.
The office door has a buzzer system to request entry. The request button is in the entry, to the left of the office door. This office door will always remain locked. All visitors will need to ring the bell, look at the monitor, identify themselves and the purpose of their visit, and be buzzed into the office.

If you have questions about the upcoming school year, feel free to call our office at 362-3560. We look forward to a GREAT and SAFE school year! Positive, Accountable, Wise and Safe!!!

Pettigrew Activity Schedule

Superintendent Column

A New Year, A Renewed Focus: Navigating Cell Phone Use in Our Schools

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

As we launch another exciting school year, we are reminded of our shared mission: to create the best possible learning environment for our students. One topic that has recently taken center stage is cell phone use in schools. Whether we’re talking about phones or any other devices, our goal is clear: reduce distractions to foster a space where children can grow and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Role of Cell Phones in Our Lives

We all recognize the indispensable role cell phones play in our daily lives. They connect us, provide information at our fingertips, and serve as a tool for both convenience and safety. However, we are also increasingly aware of the potential negative impacts: distractions, addictive behaviors, and exposure to inappropriate content. We understand that striking the right balance between “benefit versus risk” is no easy task.

Current Policy and Challenges

Our current policy prohibits the use of cell phones during instructional time to minimize distractions and keep students focused on their learning. However, enforcing a strict ban is much more challenging in practice than it seems. We want our teachers and administrators to focus on education and support rather than policing phone use throughout the day.

Additionally, the cost of devices intended to curb cell phone use presents another challenge. While these devices may reduce phone usage somewhat, they introduce additional financial and maintenance burdens on our schools. Research has shown that many of these devices are ineffective and a waste of money. This reality underscores the need for more practical, sustainable solutions.

Cell Phones as Tools

The dependency students have on their phones for their calendars, currency, and communication further complicates the issue. In an evacuation, leaving their phones behind could pose significant safety concerns. Phones are not just distractions; they are tools that many students rely on daily for organizing their lives and staying connected with their families.

A Collaborative Approach

The reality is that banning cell phones is not the only solution. We need to address this issue collaboratively, fostering a partnership between home and school. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in guiding their children to be responsible consumers of technology. They decide when a child is allowed to have a phone, set parameters for its use, and manage the apps and content on the device.

By working together, we can teach our students to use their devices thoughtfully and manage their screen time effectively.

It’s also important to note that many students are responsible users of technology and have figured out how to have a healthy relationship with their phones. When you ask them about cell phones, you get a broad range of answers on everything from parental controls to use in the classroom. Our students have grown up in a completely digital world, so we have to be mindful of their perceptions as we also guide them in developing their use habits.

We need to recognize that there are many things we would like to “ban”—poor attendance, incomplete homework, vaping, drug use, and other behaviors that are detrimental to our students' success. While these activities are technically prohibited, they still exist. A ban doesn't mean these issues magically disappear overnight. It takes consistent effort, education, and partnership to address these challenges effectively.

Collaborative Planning

This year, we are forming a dedicated group of educators, parents, and students to examine our current policies and practices surrounding cell phone use. This group will explore proactive steps and make recommendations for any necessary changes. We aim to ensure that our policies are not only practical but also promote the responsible use of technology.

Empowering Responsible Digital Citizens

Through this collaborative effort, we can find a balanced approach that respects the benefits of technology while mitigating its potential harms. Our ultimate goal is to empower our students to become responsible digital citizens who can navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and integrity.

We invite you to join us in this critical conversation as we move forward. Watch for the opportunity to provide feedback as the year continues. Together, we can continue to create a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Let's work hand in hand to ensure that our schools are places of focus, growth, and positive development.

Thank you for your partnership,

Dr. Jane Stavem

Recommended Resource:

If you’re thinking about this topic of navigating the complexities of technology use among young people, parents are reading the book, The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt. This insightful book delves into the impact of technology on today's youth and provides valuable perspectives on how to help children develop healthy habits and resilience in an increasingly digital world. It is an excellent resource for parents seeking to understand and guide their children in the responsible use of technology.