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“Away for the Day”
Regulating Cell Phone Use at FJSHS
Perhaps you have heard lately that the Jr/Sr high school is looking to implement “Away for the Day” with regard to phones this coming year. “Away for the Day” would bring the expectations into alignment school wide - that phones are away for the entire day.
The “why” is incredibly important here. Asking students to go without phones for the duration of the school day is not simply an academic endeavor. Years of research show a correlation between teen use of phones in schools and a decline in academic outcomes and engagement worldwide.
However, the team that looked into how to approach this change at FJSHS has spent more time discussing the need to reclaim high school as a social experience. We strongly believe — and research supports — that teens are happier when they are interacting with one another off screen. We want students to continue to discuss classroom topics even after the bell rings. These moments are critical to the brain development that happens in childhood and adolescence. However useful phones are, access to them throughout the school day impacts healthy social and academic development. And healthy academic and social development is the core mission of schools.
For more information, please visit the Screenagers Website here.
Cellular Device Guidelines and Procedures:
Students may not use a cell phone, ear buds, or watches that receive phone signals during school time. All of the items listed above can be confiscated if they are visible during school hours.
· If a student chooses to bring a phone to school it must be switched off and in their bag when the bell rings for the start of period 1 until students leave the classroom at the end of period 7. Teachers will also have locking boxes where students may be asked to store their phones during class. Students will have access to their phones for after school activities and sports.
· If phones are brought to school, they must be kept in a student’s own school bag. It is important to note that if students do make the decision to bring a phone onto the school grounds, they do so at their own risk. The school is not responsible for any loss or damage caused to any phone.
· If phone accessories including air buds, air pods and headphones are brought to school, they must also remain in bags throughout the school day. Phones should not be connected to smartwatches.
Students who use any of the above items in a classroom, hallway or bathroom will have the item taken away, placed in the office in a secure location, and students will be referred to administration.
If a student gets his/her electronic device confiscated and brought to the office because of inappropriate use the following incidence steps are followed:
1. First Offense: Teacher or administrator will confiscate the cell phone, bring it down to the main office and student will receive the device at the end of the day. Before being allowed to pick up their cell phone, the student must discuss and review the cell phone rules with an administrator.
2. Second Offense: Teacher or administrator confiscates cell phone and turns it into the main office. Parents will be contacted and informed of the refusal to follow school rules and a parent will need to pick up the device. Students will receive 1 day of ATS.
3. Third Offense: Teacher or administrator confiscates cell phone and turns it into the main office. A parent has to come into Florence Jr./Sr. High School to retrieve the device. The student will receive 2 days of ATS.
4. Subsequent Offense: Parents will be informed that the device will no longer be allowed at school or placed in a locking device or box for the remainder of the school year. Students will face disciplinary action for insubordination, including but not limited to ATS/suspension, which also may result in an administrative disciplinary hearing.
*If a student at any time refuses to give up the device to teacher or administrator he or she will face further disciplinary procedures including but not limited to suspension.
Cell phone use in Florence Jr/Sr High School is NOT a right, it IS a privilege.
What happens if a parent/guardian needs to contact their child? Parents/guardians can contact the school office in the event of an emergency and need to speak immediately to their child. Alternatively, students will have access to their mobile phones at 3:25pm.
What happens if a student needs to contact their parent/guardian? If there is an urgent need for a student to speak with a parent or guardian, they can come to the office to ask for permission to use their phone.
When can my student collect their phone if it has been confiscated? Students should speak with their dean or Assistant Principal if they have had their phone confiscated. Depending on the number of infraction, it may be necessary for a parent or guardian to come pick up the phone. Students who have multiple infractions will be placed on a behavior plan.
How long will a mobile phone be confiscated for? In the event a mobile phone necessitates confiscation, this will be returned at the end of the school day or by being picked up by parent or guardian. Students will not leave class early from class to collect their phones.
What if my student has a senior free period or off campus lunch? All students will need to have their phones away while they are at school from the beginning of period 1 till they leave the classroom at the end of period 7. This includes any student who is on campus for a senior free period or internship. Upper classmen who leave school earlier than 3.25pm will need to leave the school site before they can use their phones.
What happens if students are using a smartwatch which is connected to their phones? Smartwatches should not be connected to phones during the school day. If students are messaging on watches in the same way that they are on phones, the device will be treated as a phone.
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