The Weekly Buzz Update
A Weekly Newsletter from Corner Middle School
VOLUME 4, NUMBER 7: July 27, 2022
Message from the Principal . . . UPDATE #3
Today is the third installment in a series of updates containing information you will need in preparation for the opening of the new school year. This update is about cell phones and other digital devices.
In the sections below you will see information about our school's digital device policy that supplements the guidelines found in Jefferson County Schools Student and Family Handbook. Please watch the video and then review the sections below.
Please remember, all guidelines are intended to promote and foster an appropriate educational environment by minimizing unnecessary distractions and permitting students to focus on academic progress.
Looking ahead . . .
- Thursday, July 28th Chromebook Information
- Friday, July 29th Schedules
- Saturday, July 30th FAQs and Grab Bag Topics
- Sunday, July 31st Regular Weekly Buzz
- Monday, August 1st Morning Drop Off / Afternoon Pick-Up
- Tuesday, August 2nd Registration Follow-Up / Updates
- Wednesday, August 3rd Health and Medical Updates
- Thursday, August 4th Bus Information
- Friday, August 5th Attendance Information
- Saturday, August 6th Child Nutrition / Cafeteria Information
- Sunday, August 7th Regular Weekly Buzz
- Monday, August 8th Last Minute Reminders
Due to our receipt of regularly changing information and district updates, this information release schedule is subject to change. Thank you for your continued support of your student, our faculty and staff, and the administration of Corner Middle School! Enjoy your week!
Michael Manning
Principal
Corner Middle School
Cell Phones at CMS . . . Thoughts From the Administration
The Digital Device Policy at CMS
The Jefferson County Board permits students to bring cell phones to school as authorized by the local school administration.
Cell phone or personal device possession or use in an inappropriate manner which does not follow the Student Devices guidelines, will result in the following. The device will be taken from the student, and placed in an appropriate location until the parent reclaims it. A parent may reclaim any device so taken during the hours specified by the school administrator. The school system, which includes the school, administrator, teacher or staff member, shall not assume responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any personal/wireless communication device, even for devices that are taken. If the device is suspected to contain illegal or inappropriate material, the administrator has the right to inspect the contents of the device. Any illegal or inappropriate material found on the device may lead to further disciplinary action.
Violation of the rules regarding cell phone and personal device possession may result in disciplinary action. Please review the section on disciplinary actions for details. The use of cell phones, personal hotspots, and personal computers is prohibited during the school day.
Personal devices brought to school must be stored appropriately, either in the student’s backpack, locker, personal vehicle, and/or a designated place assigned by the administrator. Personal device use is prohibited during the school day (which is usually the time students arrive at school until dismissal) and anytime students are being transported on a school bus unless specific permission is given by the local school administrator.
Our supplement is designed to prevent a Class III discipline referrals for violation of the Cell Phone Policy. I encourage you to read it. Some argue that we cannot hold the student's phone because they as the adult's pay for it. Families, we don't want to hold your student's phone/device.
First, you should encourage them not to violate the policy. Next, you should not contact them during the day on their cell phones/devices. Your call or text could lead to disciplinary action for your student. Finally, under our policy we hold the phone in lieu of writing your student up for a Class II discipline referral. You are more than welcome to come to the school and collect your phone prior to the end of the collection period, but your student will be written up. Remember, the collection of a SIXTH Class II offense will become a Class III discipline referral. Help us avoid this.
CMS families, your students do not need a cell phone at school. When it is at school, the cell phone must be turned off and stay in the locker. You can contact the school office if you need a message to be sent to your students. You may choose to come by the school to speak to them. There are phones in offices, teacher work rooms, athletic offices, the cafeteria, the nurse's office, and the library should an emergency arise.
Thank you for your assistance as we work to eliminate disciplinary issues related to cell phones and help your student focus on his or her academic achievement!
And While We Are at It, Let's Talk Different Devices . . .
3.14 LARCENY / THEFT The intentional unlawful taking, possessing, and/or carrying away or the attempted unlawful taking, possessing, and/or carrying away of property of property belonging to an individual or the school system, valued at $100.00 or more, or possessing such property that has been stolen, with knowledge that it has been stolen. Found property should be turned into school officials immediately.
Students were caught listening to music, saved television programs, movies, YouTube, and more when they were supposed to be engaged in the classroom. These devices fall under the Cellular Device policy. Your students do not need them. Encourage them to leave these devices at home. No teacher at CMS will ask for them to bring them as part of the instructional program.
Thank you for your assistance!
Cell Phones and Testing Guidelines
- The cell phone being confiscated and searched.
- The student's test being invalidated.
- The cell phone being collected by the district
In the case of the Pre-ACT 8 and subsequent tests leading up to the ACT administration in grade 11, cell phones are not permitted in the rooms where those tests occur. Please look at the attachment below from ACT that outlines the consequences of possessing a cell phone during one of their test administrations.
Corner Middle School
Our Mission
Corner Middle School is committed to empowering our students as they build a foundation for college, career, and community success in a nurturing environment.
Our Vision
Our vision at Corner Middle School is to ensure our students are academically, emotionally, and socially prepared for challenges they may encounter in the next phases of their lives.
Our Beliefs
Corner Middle School believes we will accomplish our Mission and Vision in serving our community of learners by:
- Loving, encouraging, and inspiring our students and each other in our daily interactions.
- Utilizing highly-effective instruction and a challenging curriculum.
- Meeting the needs of diverse learners in order to prepare them for college and entry into a career pathway.
- Partnering with the community.
- Cultivating student leaders.
- Integrating technology into all areas of learning.
Email: mmanning@jefcoed.com
Website: https://cornerms.jefcoed.com
Location: 10005 Corner School Road Warrior, Alabama 35180
Phone: (205) 379-3230
Facebook: facebook.com/CornerMS
Twitter: @CornerMiddle