Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure a focused and productive learning environment, and to encourage authentic communication and community building at BVCS. The policy is informed by the latest research that outlines the negative impact that cell phones have on learning and school culture.
Policy Overview
- Kindergarten through Grade 7:
- Cell Phone Usage: Cell phones are not permitted for students in Kindergarten through Grade 7. Students should not bring cell phones to school.
- Grade 8 and 9:
- Cell Phone Procedure: Students in Grade 8 and 9 must hand in their cell phones to their homeroom teacher at the beginning of the school day and pick it up from their last block teacher at the end of the school day. If a student arrives later than homeroom time, they will hand in their cell phones at the office.
- Grade 10-12:
- Cell Phone Procedure: Students in Grade 10-12 must hand in their cell phones to the office at the beginning of the school day and pick it up from their last block teacher at the end of the day. If a student arrives later than homeroom time, they will hand in their cell phones at the office. With written permission from a parent, students can have their cell phones when leaving school premises at lunch hour.
General Guidelines
- Students should power down cell-phones when in storage to ensure that watches connected to devices are not functional. Teachers will monitor student use of Apple watches and other similar devices
- Cell phones will be held securely and safely in the office during the school day
- If there needs to be communication between a parent and student during the day, there is an office phone available for student use. Parents are able to leave messages for students with the school secretary. Parents are encouraged to plan ahead as best as possible to avoid this
- It is the students’ responsibility to hand in their cellphones at the beginning of the day. Students having their cell phones during the day will have their cell phones confiscated and parents will be contacted. A parent will be required to pick up the phone. Any further violations will be dealt with according to the BVCS discipline policy
- Parents are encouraged to discuss this policy with their children to ensure understanding and compliance. For any questions or concerns regarding the cell phone policy, please contact the school office
- There may be an activity where cell phones are an important part of the activity and teachers may make an exception in these cases
- High school teachers engaged in out-of-class learning activities can decide whether cell-phones are allowed during these activities
- We will re-evaluate this policy after Semester 1 with parent and student input