Hellgate Elementary Cell Phone Policy
October 15, 2024
Dear Hellgate Parents and Guardians,
At the school board meeting last night the board unanimously passed our updated cell phone policy, which is the policy currently in our student handbook. In late August, we were tasked by Governor Gianforte to adopt a cell-phone free policy. We believe this will be a positive step for our entire school community for the following reasons:
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Fostering a Focused Learning Environment: Research and our own experience show that cell phones can be a major distraction in the classroom. When students have access to their phones, they’re often tempted to check messages, social media, or play games. By keeping phones away, we can create a learning environment that’s focused and free from these interruptions. Our goal is to allow students to engage fully in their education.
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Promoting Social Interaction and Connection: Social skills are developed through face-to-face interaction, which is something we want to encourage. When phones are out of the picture, students are more likely to engage with each other during breaks and downtime, strengthening their social bonds and learning how to communicate effectively in person. This not only makes for a better school experience but also prepares them for life outside of school.
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Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Studies have shown that constant notifications and messages can increase stress and anxiety among young people. Having phones tucked away during school can help alleviate some of this stress, creating a more relaxed and positive environment for learning and socializing.
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Encouraging Responsibility and Independence: By setting boundaries around phone use, we’re teaching students important life skills, including self-control and responsibility. The "Away For The Day" policy is a chance for students to learn how to manage their own attention and focus without relying on their phones as a crutch.
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Ensuring Safety and Privacy: With phones put away, we’re also protecting student privacy and reducing the potential for issues like cyberbullying and inappropriate photo or video sharing during school hours. This policy contributes to a safer and more respectful school community.
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Supporting Teachers and Classroom Management: Finally, this policy is also meant to support teachers. Managing cell phone use can be a big challenge, and the "Away For The Day" policy helps us all create a more consistent approach across classrooms. This way, we can spend more time focusing on teaching and less on reminding students to put their phones away.
We understand that cell phones are an important part of modern life, and students will have access to their phones before and after school. But during the school day, we’re asking for your support to make our classrooms a phone-free zone.
The new policy is:
CELL PHONES AND PERSONAL ITEMS
The possession and use of cellular phones, pagers, and other electronic signaling devices on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, or while otherwise under the supervision and control of District employees is a privilege. To ensure the privacy and safety of all students, Hellgate Elementary strictly prohibits the use of cell phones, photography, video recording, and any form of social media activity in bathrooms and
locker rooms. This policy is in place to protect the personal space and dignity of every individual and to maintain a respectful and secure environment within our school. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action in accordance with school regulations. In addition, students may not use cell phones, pagers, or other electronic signaling devices during classes unless such use is under the direction of certified staff for educational purposes. Students are not allowed to use cell phones or text message during the school day or on field trips, from 8:25 am to 3:32 pm. If a parent/guardian requires their child to bring a cell phone for after school activities, the phones must remain off during the school day. In the event of an emergency during the school day, students will be allowed to use a school phone. Students will receive escalating consequences each time they fail to follow this rule. Parents/guardians will be asked to pick up their child's cell phone from the principal if their child fails to follow this school rule. Students are not allowed to bring personal electronic equipment to school, including but not limited to handheld video games and personal music devices & accessories. Laser pens are prohibited for use by students. If a student brings these items to school, they will be confiscated, the student will receive disciplinary consequences, and the item will be kept in the principal's office until a parent/guardian arrives at school to retrieve it. The school will not be held responsible for students lost or stolen electronic devices.
Unauthorized possession or use of these devices is grounds for confiscation. Repeated unauthorized use will result in disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of the unauthorized use, the student’s parents and/or law enforcement may be contacted and the student’s cell phone may be searched. See policy 3630.
Today, October 14th and tomorrow, October 15th we will do a soft roll-out and a "teach-to" of this policy to students. The policy will go into effect on Monday, October 21st.
Thank you,
The Hellgate Administrative Team
Molly Blakely, Ed.D
Superintendent