Personal Communication Devices
Update for middle and high school students
Student Use of Personal Communication Devices
Traducción Disponible Si Ud. quiere traducir esta carta, por favor, elegir "Translate Newsletter," y luego elegir su lengua por el menú.
In an effort to increase student engagement and address the growing student mental-health needs the use of personal communication devices and headphones will no longer be allowed during instructional times at the middle and high school.
We understand this will be a change for our students. However, based on research and information solicited from area districts this change is in the best interest of our students.
This change in procedure will begin at the onset of the 2023-2024 school year.
Why are we making this change?
RATIONALE: With the unending advancement of digital technology, there is an opportunity to advance student learning through its use. On the other hand, digital technology may also be used in ways that detract from student learning, academic integrity, and positive student interaction.
In an effort to increase student engagement and address the growing student mental-health needs the use of personal communication devices and headphones will not be allowed during instructional times.
Based on nationwide research around the impact of cell phones and other personal communication devices, it is imperative to refocus our efforts around engagement by tightening our rules and expectations around these devices.
The Academic Impact Research shows a 6.4% increase in academic achievement when cell phones are limited or banned in the classroom. 8th graders who are heavy users of social media have a 27% higher risk of depression than kids who exceed the average time playing sports or hanging out with friends. These are just a few of the statistics that provide a clear case to rethink and change our habits and practices around cell phones.
Expectations - Off and Away
Cell phones and other personal communication devices will be off and away during instructional time (“bell to bell” for all class periods, including Viking Hour/STAT/advisory). This includes when students are moving about the building during instructional time.
Students may only use personal communication devices and headphones, including cell phones, for purposes pre-authorized by the teacher for a specific learning activity.
Headphones (e.g. AirPods, Beats, etc.) will be off and away during instructional time.
Cell phones, personal communication devices, and earbuds/headphones are allowable during Study Hall (High School only) and Lunch only.
Teachers will remind students that personal communication devices must be OFF and AWAY on a regular basis.
Cell phones and other personal communication devices may never be used in a locker room, restroom, or other places where privacy is expected.
Students may not capture photographs or video footage of any student or staff without their permission.
*These expectations may not apply in emergency situations.
Enforcement
If a student is found using a cell phone and other personal communication devices without authorization, the student must surrender the device to staff without objection or hesitation. Students will then be given a referral in Infinite Campus. The steps taken after this referral will be determined by the number of occurrences there have been for that student. Steps could include the removal of privileges, detentions, in-school suspensions, and/or individual cell phone improvement plans. Our goal is to avoid this.
Additional Items to Note
- At no time should a staff member go through or look in a student's cell phone.
- The District shall not be responsible for the safety or security of personal electronic equipment that students choose to bring to school. Students who bring any personal electronic device(s) to school do so at their own risk to possible theft, damage, misappropriation of data/equipment, or other loss.
- Personal Device infractions may result in an Activities Code violation that could jeopardize participation in an activity or athletic competition.
Student Possession and Use of Personal Electronic Devices 443.5
High School Administrators
Talisa Corcoran, HS Assistant Principal
corcorantalisa@mhasd.k12.wi.us
Kolleen Neshiem, HS AP and Activities Coordinator
Middle School Administrators
christiansenpaul@mhasd.k12.wi.us
Catie Goninen, MS Assistant Principal