During Monday’s meeting, the Warsaw School Board approved an updated cell phone policy.
The passage came after Senate Bill 185 was signed into law this year, which requires all school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies regarding student use of wireless communications devices and to post those policies on the school district or charter school’s website.
Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, said the new cell phone policy doesn’t drastically change what happens in WCS schools because the school board already has a cell phone policy, but the new policy has a little more teeth. He noted that the policy also includes smart watches and any tablets not provided by the school.
The new policy states that cell phone use is not permitted during class unless it is for documented medical care or an emergency. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade may use cell phones on school buses or school vehicles, subject to the driver’s discretion, as long as it does not create an unsafe environment. High school students may use cell phones during lunch periods and between classes as long as they do not cause disruption.
The use of cell phones is not permitted in areas such as gymnasiums, locker rooms, shower facilities, restrooms, and any other location where privacy is expected. Likewise, unauthorized recording, recording, or transmission of audio, images, or video of students, staff, or anyone else is not permitted. In addition, the transmission of threatening, obscene, or sexually explicit material or engaging in bullying or harassment, cheating, academic failure, or other fraudulent activities is not permitted.
Violations of the policy may result in confiscation of the student’s cell phone and its return to the parent or guardian. In addition, disciplinary action may range from a warning to expulsion from school, depending on the nature and frequency of the violation. If the violation involves illegal activities, the student may also be prosecuted by the police.
At the beginning of the meeting, studio director Sea Grandon informed the school board about the exhibition “Next Wave: Surf the Saw,” in which students from the Warsaw Area Career Center participated.
Grandon said Atelier has four or five solo exhibitions and one group show each year. This year she decided to partner with WCS. She worked with WACC teacher Andrea Miller to highlight the students’ skills and emphasize the natural resources of the local lake community.
Grandon began working with Miller and her students. The WACC students were able to view last year’s group exhibition.
On the opening night of the exhibition, over 300 people visited the gallery. Many of the WACC students were able to sell their works, but none of the artwork was sold to their family members.
Other matters of the Board of Directors:
• This year’s Teacher Recognition Scholarships have been approved.
• Approved the appointment of Barbara Beck to the Board of the Warsaw Municipality Public Library.
• Approved the appointment of Warsaw School Board member Brad Johnson to the Winona Lake Park Board with board member Tom Westerhof as his replacement.