It was hinted at during the last BOE meeting and the news came on Thursday.
Greenwich Public Schools families received a newsletter with information about students’ cell phone and device use during the school day.
The newsletter reflected collaboration with school administration teams from all 15 buildings.
Their letter said many families with children in Greenwich Public Schools have expressed concerns about the impact of early and excessive cell phone and social media use.
In fact, a petition was circulated to ban mobile phones in schools and a movement called “Ok to Delay” was formed in Greenwich by a group of parents concerned about the impact of social media and smartphones on their children.
At the BOE meeting in early August, the Greenwich Schools superintendent said that middle school principals specifically requested that middle school students use only school-issued devices and not outside devices starting this school year.
“It’s mostly to do with the number of disruptions and distractions because they don’t have the same controls to turn off things like Facebook and Messenger and things that don’t happen on the school-issued devices,” she said.
Thursday’s newsletter said: “Device use impacts on young people’s mental health. Our aim is to be responsible, supportive and responsive in all aspects of digital use.”
No cell phone bell-to-bell for K-8
In K-5, Cell phone use should be avoided during the school day. Families are encouraged to not give their children phones to take to school.
The letter states: “There are sufficient telephones available on school premises for parents to contact the school or call students home. If you feel there is a need for safety due to special circumstances, such as having a long commute to or from school each day, phones must be turned off and kept in lockers or backpacks. for the duration of the school day.”
In middle school, grades 6-8The use of mobile phones is prohibited during school hours.
“We recommend that you delay the purchase of cell phones when students enter middle school. However, if cell phones are brought to school, they must be turned off and left away for the rest of the day, either in backpacks or lockers. Cell phones should not be used during recess, lunch, or during class.”
“Students may ask their teacher or staff member for permission to use a phone to take photographs of board notes or other learning strategies, but only with permission for appropriate use.”
“Mobile phones should not be carried in pockets or on the body. They should be carried in backpacks or lockers every day.”
“If you feel there is a need for security due to special circumstances, such as having a long commute to or from school each day, phones must be turned off and kept in lockers or backpacks. for the duration of the day.”
Smart Wearables for K-8
Smart wearables such as Apple Watch, Fitbit Versa, Amazfit, Garmin Venu, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch, Withings ScanWatch Horizon or other wearables should not be brought to school in grades K-8.
There may be exceptions, and the newsletter explains that for safety reasons, such as when walking a long distance to or from school each day, the wearable device must be removed and kept in lockers or backpacks. for the duration of the school day.
In the event that there is a medical reason for a wearable, such as if a student is wearing a device for monitoring heart function, blood sugar regulation, or insulin dependency, families are asked to contact school administration.
If the device requires the use of a mobile phone, an implementation plan should be developed along with the approval of the wearable.
Full day trip for grades 9-12
The preface to the new cell phone rules at GHS states that students must learn to self-regulate their use before entering a world where cell phone use is necessary for work and life.
In this sense, the new rule is: “Phones should be away from GHS all day.”
GHS will roll out an implementation plan beginning in September 2024, with full implementation beginning the week after the December break.
The consequences of violations will be felt from January.
Phones should be turned off throughout the day unless a supervising adult requests or approves otherwise.
This means that mobile phones are not allowed to be taken out during class, lunch breaks, in toilets or during class time unless the teacher or a supervising adult gives their permission.”
Appropriate uses might be for teaching purposes such as taking pictures of notes on the board, using teaching apps such as decibel meters, lasers and other useful tools, or for practical use such as recording an experiment on video or creating a class project.
Other appropriate uses include presenting the digital badges when entering the building, by an administrator or staff member to check an active schedule, to purchase lunch, or to borrow items from the media center.
Personal laptops
In grades K-8, students use only The school district will provide laptops unless the principal approves extenuating circumstances.
Improper use and consequences
Any inappropriate use of cell phones or other devices will be dealt with promptly and in accordance with the Middle and High School Disciplinary Code of Conduct established by the Greenwich Public Schools for uniform implementation of disciplinary actions.
The Code of Conduct will be available on the main page of your school’s website on or before the first day of school.
For repeated violations, students in all grades will be required to return the phone to the office and the family may be required to come to school to pick up the device.
