Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District begins enforcement of cell-phone restrictions; principals report large number of devices collected
Summary
Two days after the district’s device restriction began, principals reported hundreds of phones collected at Normandy High School and several middle schools; the superintendent and chief of school safety described a tiered disciplinary protocol and promised clearer policy language developed with the board.
The Normandy Schools Collaborative began enforcing a districtwide restriction on student cell-phone and personal-device use in school; district leaders described initial compliance, enforcement procedures and communications with families.
Chief Campbell and Dr. Triplett summarized concerns raised at a Dec. 19 community forum (student safety while walking home, parent communications, medical and emergency use) and described how the district is responding. District staff advised families that schools will provide information during emergencies and that nurses will continue to communicate about students with medical needs.
Chief Campbell reported that the first full day of enforcement saw hundreds of phones turned in at the high school (the principal estimated about 260 on the first day) and dozens at middle schools; many students readily surrendered devices, he said, while some resisted and required additional intervention. The district used magnetometers and handheld wands to detect devices, and staff said a chain-of-custody and disciplinary protocol is in place.
The district outlined a tiered disciplinary protocol: first offense—phone confiscated and returned at the end of the school day with a warning letter sent to parents; second offense—phone held and parent/guardian required to retrieve the device and the student assigned detention; third offense—phone held until a parent meeting with school administration and a one-day out-of-school suspension with a behavior contract; repeated offenses—additional consequences per the code of conduct. District staff said principals are following a four-tier protocol already communicated to the community.
Board members asked how the policy applies to students who rely on devices for translation or medical communication. Staff said laptops and building technology will be used to support English-language learners and students with documented medical needs. Board members also asked whether the policy is limited to “cell phones” or to all personal devices; staff said the communications referenced “technology devices” and pledged to work with the board to clarify policy language.
Superintendent Triplett said the initiative is intended to improve learning and reduce distraction and that board policy development and community communication will continue as the district refines the approach.
