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In an effort to create an environment more conducive to academics and learning, Emmaus High School will be recommitting itself to upholding best practices for the use of cell phones in the school setting. Teachers and administrators will clearly communicate these expectations and students must understand that the use of electronic devices in class, other than their Chromebook, has a significant impact on their ability to learn.
Start of Year Class Meetings:
An email with guidelines and expectations will be emailed to each student.
Teachers will be explaining this in each class and this information will also be included on all course syllabi.
At each class meeting, administration will clearly explain the following:
Cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, etc. must be turned off, out of sight in desk pouches, or in cell phone caddies provided in classrooms, during Hornet Huddle, and the Learning Lab. Students can bring their own pouches if they prefer. Ideally, phones should be in Airplane mode to not distract others.
Cell phones will then be collected in their pouches by the teacher and stored in a secure box for the duration of the class.
Teachers, along with their students, will discuss and agree upon the most appropriate approach out of the 2 options (desk pouches in box, or in cell phone caddies) for their particular classroom. This will occur during the first week of school in ALL classes.
Cell phones may NOT be on the student’s person or desk (Ambient Distraction Article.) but should be in a caddy or pouch in the box.
Cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, etc. may not be taken to the bathrooms for any reason. Pouches with the electronic devices inside will be kept in the box in each classroom.
Cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, etc. may only be used with teacher permission and only for instructional purposes.
Teachers may provide a short (2-3 minute break) once per class period if desired but no more than that. This break will be used as a reward and is not an expectation. This is at the teacher's discretion.
Cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, etc. may be used during lunch, homeroom (except for during Hornet Huddle lessons) and study halls.
During lunch, homeroom (except Thursdays during Hornet Huddle) and study halls, music can only be played through earbuds or headphones.
Teachers may not have their cell phones visible to the students during instructional time except for emergency situations or if they are being used for instructional purposes.
Expectations:
Students are welcome to use their phones, earbuds, and smart watches until the bell rings for the start of class. Once the class begins, all students are to place their phones in their desk pouches and then in the large box or in cell phone caddies provided in classrooms. Cell phones may not be accessed for the remainder of the class.
All devices must be on silent.
There are times when we may use cell phones as a part of a class activity. The expectation is that students will not be using this time to access social media, games, etc.
When going to the bathroom or anywhere else in the building, the electronic device pouch must remain in the box or caddy and electronic devices must stay in the classroom while you are out.
Students may not take cell phones to the bathrooms regardless of the class they are leaving.
Upon finishing classwork and teacher’s discretion, students may be entitled to access your electronic devices during a break (less than 3) minutes of class time.
If the student is using electronic devices during class, outside of what has been stated above, a verbal warning will be issued first and subsequent violations will follow the consequences outlined below.
Students who have IEP SDIs or behavior plans that require music will be permitted to continue this.
Students who monitor health issues using their phones will be provided a clear pouch to view their cell phones at all times.
Students should not bring their cell phones to the nurse's office with the exception of a medical condition requiring the phone.
Consequences for Non-compliance (beginning on the first day of the school year)
1st Use: If the student is found using electronic devices during class, outside of what has been stated above, a verbal warning will be issued by the teacher.
2nd Use: This will result in the student emailing their parents/guardians and copying their assistant principal and teacher on the email explaining the situation regarding the electronic device in class. This email will be sent by the end of the class period and before leaving the classroom.
3rd Use: This will result in a phone call to a parent/guardian by the teacher within 24 hours and the teacher may direct the student to place the phone on the teacher’s desk until the end of the block.
4th Use: If phone use continues, the teacher may refer the student to their administrator for disciplinary action under the Insubordination infraction (Level 2). The teacher must include in the referral the dates of steps 1 - 3 outlined above.
Insubordination or Disrespect:
Students who become seriously disrespectful (foul language, refusal to comply, disruption in class, etc.) with a teacher about the electronic device procedure will be issued an immediate referral.
If the student continues to cause a disruption in the learning environment, then the teacher should call a student advisor or assistant principal’s office so that the student can be removed and then dial “0” and request an escort to the student's AP office. The teacher will write the referral after class. The administrator will code this as a continuation of a Level 2 infraction.
Teachers should not physically remove or take a device from a student or their desk.
Articles to Support This Change and Help Students and Families
The Science: Neurodevelopmental & Academic Impact
Away for the Day, Impact on Academics & Emotion
Harvard University, Dopamine, Smartphones, & You
University of North Carolina, What Might Your Phone Be Doing to Your Brain
InnerDrive, Impact of Mobile Phones on Grades
U.S. News, Cellphones in School: What to Know
When To Get Help: Information on Signs, Symptoms,Treatments, & Organizations
BNI Treatment Centers, What to Do About Teenage Cell Phone Use
Healthline. How to Tell if You Could be Addicted to Your Phone
American Academy of Pediatrics, Media & Children
Johns Hopkins, Addiction to Electronic Devices
Addiction Center, Phone Addiction: Warning Signs & Treatment
University of Nevada, Smartphone Addiction How Technology Affects Public Health and Social Relationships
New York Times, I'm Addicted to My Phone. How Can I Cut Back?
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