The Saucon Valley School Board discussed proposed changes to the district’s policy that governs student cell phone use at its meeting Tuesday.
The current electronic device policy forbids students from using their phones during school hours, but in light of the prevalence of cell phone use in college and in the working world–and in recognition of the fact that many other high schools are moving away from disciplining students for using their phones–the proposed policy is less restrictive, superintendent Dr. Monica McHale-Small told the board.
The new policy that was discussed would feature tiers of limitations, with the high school limitations being the least restrictive and the elementary school limits the most restrictive.
McHale-Small said the policy was largely modeled after Southern Lehigh School District’s cell phone policy.
“One of our jobs is to teach students responsible use of these devices,” she said.
“So the only place that they’re allowed to use it then will be at the high school level?” board member Sandra Miller asked.
“That’s correct,” McHale-Small said.
According to an Express-Times article, high school students would be permitted to use their phones during lunch and study halls, in between classes, and after school.
At the middle school level, she confirmed that students will only be allowed to use their phones after school, and with a teacher’s or coach’s permission.
The policy at the elementary school level would remain the same as it is now, meaning elementary students will not be allowed to use their phones during school.
The proposed new policy was crafted by a task force over a period of several months.
“Mostly they will be able to be used during non-instructional time–like in the cafeteria, to listen to music” McHale-Small told the board. “But teachers and administrators will still have the ability to limit the use of the phones when appropriate.”
“We feel that the policy that’s being proposed is going to help our students be prepared to enter into college and the work force and know what’s appropriate and what’s not as far as cell phone use,” she said.
She added that faculty are “mostly supportive” of the proposed new policy “as far as we know. No one has said that they are not.”
The policy’s success will be gauged by surveying teachers and tracking of discplinary referrals.
The board at the meeting also briefly discussed proposed changes to the district’s student search policy; changes which are opposed by many parents.
A video of the meeting is available for viewing on YouTube.
