Electronic Device Expectations

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 and the Learning Lab.  Students can bring their own pouches if they prefer.  Ideally, phones should be in Airplane mode to not distract others.

  • Teachers, along with their students, will discuss and agree upon the most appropriate approach out of the 2 options (desk pouches, 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 (Ambient Distraction Article.) but should be in a caddy or pouch.

  • Cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, etc. may not be taken to the bathrooms for any reason. Pouches with the electronic devices inside should be placed on the teacher’s desk while the student is out of the room.

  • 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 on their  desk pouches, or in cell phone caddies provided in classrooms.  The pouch must be sealed and remain on the student’s desk and 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 on the desk  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.

Consequences for Non-compliance (beginning on the first day of the school year)

1. 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. 

2. 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.

3. 3rd  Use: This will result in an email or 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.  In the email, the teacher will request a response from the parent/ guardian to acknowledge receipt of the email. If No Receipt of Email: This will result in a phone call to the parent or guardian with documentation for the teacher. 

4. 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.

5. Insubordination or Disrespect:  

   1. 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.  

   2. If the teacher feels the student should be removed, they will call the Assistant Principal and then send the student with a pass to the AP office.  The teacher will write the referral immediately after class.  The administrator will code this as Continuation of a Level 2 infraction.

   3. 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

• Edutopia, There's a Cell Phone in Your Student's Head

• 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?