LEONARDTOWN, Md. – At this week’s commissioner meeting, the St. Mary’s County School Board outlined a new cell phone policy aimed at reducing classroom distractions and improving student engagement. The policy, which will be implemented in phases starting with the new school year, is designed to balance the needs of students and parents with the goal of enhancing academic achievement.
Policy Breakdown by Grade Level:
- Elementary Schools: Students are strongly discouraged from bringing cellphones to school. Exceptions are made for medical or Individualized Education Program (IEP) reasons, but these phones must remain off and out of sight while on school grounds.
- Middle Schools: Students may bring cell phones but must keep them off and stored away during class time. Parents are advised to communicate directly with school staff for urgent messages rather than contacting their children via cell phone.
- High Schools: Cell phones are permitted during lunch breaks but must be turned off and stored during instructional periods. The policy includes a designated hour of unrestricted use during lunch, but phones must be put away during classes.
Communication and Implementation Strategy:
To ensure widespread understanding and compliance, the board is employing a multi-faceted communication approach. This includes:
- Signage: Clear, visible signs will be placed in schools to outline the new cell phone use policy.
- Digital Outreach: Information will be shared through school websites, social media platforms, and emails. Updates will be featured in board meeting reports and on the district’s various social media channels.
- Surveys: Feedback from staff, students, and parents has been solicited through surveys. Initial responses indicate strong support for limiting cell phone use. As of the latest update, nearly 1,000 staff members and students have participated in the survey, a significant increase from earlier responses.
Challenges and Considerations:
The board is also addressing concerns related to smartwatches, which can still function even if a cell phone is off. While the focus remains on cell phones, the board acknowledges that smartwatches may need to be reviewed in the future. They have noted that smartwatches connected to phones will not receive notifications if the phone is turned off.
Emergency communication is another area under review. With sports teams and extracurricular activities relying on platforms like Remind for scheduling updates, the board is exploring alternative methods to ensure important messages reach students without disrupting the new cell phone policy.
Student Achievement Focus:
The new policy aligns with the board’s broader goal of increasing student achievement. Research suggests that cell phones can serve as significant distractions, and the board’s approach reflects national and state-level trends in educational policy. By minimizing these distractions, the board aims to foster a more focused and productive learning environment.
Next Steps:
The board plans to present detailed consequences for policy violations in their next meeting on July 31. They are committed to continuing community engagement and adjusting the policy based on ongoing feedback and initial implementation experiences.
In summary, the St. Mary’s County School Board is taking decisive steps to create an educational environment that prioritizes learning and minimizes distractions. With a clear communication strategy and phased implementation, the board is setting the stage for a successful transition into the new policy.
To watch this meeting, click here.
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