Driving to school this morning, I made sure that I had my cell phone. The weather was particularly icky and well, it seemed prudent to make sure that I had a reliable means of communication in case of a traffic mishap. But, if I am honest, I am always checking to see if I have my cell phone—and not just because the school could need me or for safety, but because the phone is vastly important as I go about my day. I feel weird if I don't have it it with me.
I have been thinking about cell phones and our CA kids since I read an article that came across several media outlets earlier this month. Apparently, there is a burgeoning industry in NYC; cell phone trucks (or "valets") charge students $1 per day to store their devices, because New York City public school policy does not allow electronics on the premises. Read the article from USA Today here. Clearly, entrepreneurialism is alive and kicking in the Big Apple.
Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions on cell phone use in schools and official school policy differs widely from institution to institution. Just a quick Google of the topic revealed that some schools provide a room free of charge for students to leave their devices; some PTA's ask kids to pay rent for storing their devices and then use the proceeds to benefit the school; other institutions actively allow their students to have and use the devices throughout the day. Every school has a different take on the issue.
The official school policy at CA for cell phones varies by division and is as follows:
Upper School Policy
The use of cell phones during school hours (upon arrival to school until 3:10 pm) is limited to using them solely for their “computer” functions, not as a method to place or receive phone calls, unless
specific permission has been granted by a member of the faculty, staff, or administration. Phones should be turned off and out of sight when not in use. Locations where students may use their phones are limited to hallways, common areas, the Library, Dining Hall and outside. In the classroom, teachers have full authority to define expectations of usage.
Students may not use their cell phones in the Theater or in the hallways to and from all Assemblies and Junior Speeches.
Failure to use a cell phone responsibly will result in a detention and the phone being confiscated. All phones that are confiscated will be turned in to the Deanís office and returned to students at the discretion of the Dean of Students. Additionally, phones may be searched in cases of suspected academic dishonesty with regard to cell phone use.
Middle School Policy
Cell Phone Expectations: Students are allowed to have a cell phone on their person during the school day, provided it is turned off or on silent mode. Students are not allowed to use the phone during school hours unless permission is granted from a CA staff or faculty member.
If a student’s phone rings in class or is being used without permission during the school day, an adult will take the phone and bring it to the office. The student can retrieve the phone at the end of the day. If this happens again any time during the year, the student will lose the ability to have the cell phone on their person or in their locker for a period of time that will be determined by Ms. Long. The student’s parent will be notified and an appropriate plan will be discussed.
So, that's the scoop on phones at CA. If you're interested in reading more about the issues with cell phones in schools, check out this article:
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