Dear Parents and Guardians:
Please be advised that Kent County Middle School will be
enforcing its cell phone policy with progressive discipline if students refuse
to hand over electronic devices that they are observed as using during the
school day.
The reason for this immediate action is the constant
distraction and or disruptions to the school environment. Students are using facebook, twitter
and instagram during the course of the day, and it is causing disruptions that
prevent other students and teachers from accomplishing student objectives and
goals.
Please read our school board policy below:
The use of cell
phones and other portable communication devices such as camera phones and
pagers shall not disrupt the orderly atmosphere in school.
Students may possess
portable communication and other electronic devices on school property, but may
not turn them on or use them during the official school day including the bus
ride to and from school. They must
be turned off and kept in hallway lockers or pockets during school hours. If devices are visible during the
school day, students will be asked to relinquish said device to staff and
parents must retrieve it. Refusal
by a student to relinquish the device to a staff member will result in
enforcement of disciplinary guidelines.
Facebook and other social media communications are wonderful
for uniting past friends and relatives, as well as sharing information. Facebook has also become a
communication for bullying and harsh words that are communicated anonymously.
We encourage all parents and guardians to monitor the
communications of their child.
The adherence to this policy is necessary for our schools
safe and caring environment. Our
school does not have the ability to filter outside devices and for that reason
they will be prohibited.
Your cooperation in assisting our school with this important
policy is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Gary S. McCulloch
Principal