Spring 2024 Archive

Opinion

Why Phones shouldn’t be banned in school

By Ashton Guerra Yanyac

Our current generation is dominated by blue screens, bright lights, and scrolling mindlessly through TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms. The increasing issue of phones in classrooms and schools has been debated. People may argue that phones are a distraction, cause conflict, and encourage cheating. But it is also crucial to realize and take into account the possible educational benefits and how effective management could help mitigate the issue.

One of the biggest issues that are raised against phones is their potential to distract students. Individuals argue that instead of students focusing on their schoolwork, they are hypnotized by the various social media platforms or available games. However, banning phones wouldn't be the most effective solution. Schools and teachers should strive to teach students about responsible phone usage and implement clear guidelines. Teachers should attempt to integrate phones and technology into the learning process which will overall enhance student's engagement and understanding of academic content  

Another issue raised against phones is their role in causing conflicts and perpetuating them. The use of social media and things of that nature allows students to talk to other students regardless if the other student is near or not. The rapid escalation of arguments due to phones is valid but even then, problems like this still arose even before phones. Instead, they need to address the root of the problems, and encourage empathy and compassion between students and educate them on responsible online behavior. Thiscan be more effective than just a flat-out ban on phones. Furthermore, the addition and implementation of strict anti-cyberbullying policies and monitoring could help create a safer environment for students.

Another topic in the debate is that phones encourage cheating. With the rise of A.I assisted homework applications, students can get answers to a question quite quickly. However, this issue is not exclusive to just phones and electronic devices as it extends to the issue of academic integrity. Instead of banning phones, teachers and educators should aim to promote ethical behavior, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the material being taught. Integrating technology into the curriculum would allow educators to teach students how to use and maneuver through the internet responsibly.

In conclusion, phones pose numerous challenges to educators. But, a calculated approach could leverage and captivate the educational potential of smartphones. Rather than outright banning phones in general, schools should strive to educate students on responsible phone use, implement clear guidelines, and integrate technology and phones into the learning process. By doing so, educators are not only preparing themselves for the digital age but preparing the students as well.

Feature

Possible Bus Plan 2024-2025

By Medina Ozegovic and Khamari Eubanks

The JCPS bus system had many problems this school year. Kids often arrived home very late, between 6 to 10 pm, instead of the usual time, which should be around 3:30 to 4:30 pm. I could understand if one bus was occasionally late, but it's unacceptable that many JCPS buses were consistently late and involved in accidents, with kids on board. This is not only frustrating for the kids but also for their parents. According to a WDRB article, "Union leadership reacts to plan to cut JCPS bus routes for 2024-25 school Year," "The current transportation plan has left JCPS with crowded buses, modified school start times, later student - drop offs  and bus driver callouts¨.  I could only imagine how parents reacted when their kids didn't come home at the right time and no one knew where their kid was. So, what's the plan for next school year? 

What is the plan for buses next school year?

According to the Louisville Public Media article, JCPS may eliminate, consolidate some bus routes to solve transportation issues, JCPS is considering a new plan for 2024 -2025. ¨If a student is accepted into a magnet school or goes to a school on transfer that is not in their zone, there will no longer be transportation available to attend that school." Jcps wants to cut bus routes to kids who have applied and gotten into their desired school, leaving those students without a ride to or from school. Basically, if you find a school you really want to attend, you have to find your own way to school. Many students have families that cannot provide transport due to their jobs or even lack of their own transportation.  

Nothing has been decided yet, but the school board is trying to pass this proposal. I  personally don't think it is fair to the kids who desperately want to go to a different school and can't. The fact that the school board is even considering this proposal is absurd because public schools in general should have a way for THEIR students to get to the schools they want to attend within the district. 

What I think should be done 

There are various ways to find a solution to this problem, and I understand it's not an easy task. However, we shouldn't prevent kids from getting the transportation they need.

Firstly, I believe the schedule should return to normal because there was no reason for it to be changed initially.  There were some late buses, but not as many as this year. Additionally, instead of cutting bus routes, they should be adjusted. Cutting routes only reduces the number of kids served, which doesn't solve the problem.

Secondly, bus drivers deserve to be paid more for everything they have to deal with. The entire issue stems from the fact that bus drivers are not adequately compensated for the challenges they face. They deal with screaming, fights, attitude, and arguments, and it's not fair for them to be yelled at for mistakes made by JCPS. Increasing their pay would help to address the difficulties they endure.