Dear Students, Parents, Guardians and Community Members,
The modern cell phone is, without a doubt, the greatest single distraction plaguing public education today. Even when students do not utilize their cell phones, they are subject to constant interruptions from other students and family members. Teachers repeatedly have to stop instruction to reprimand students for cell phone use in classrooms, and students constantly feel the pressure to check social media accounts.
Students have become so accustomed to staring at screens since March of 2020 that it is almost impossible to engage students in meaningful instruction. In addition, parents feel the need to be in constant contact with their children. This has hindered the development of independent socialization, conflict resolution and student voice. The overwhelming majority of bullying issues are through social media.
In response, the administration, teachers and board of education of the Middleburgh Central Schools are all in consensus that steps need to be taken to limit personal cell phone usage during the school day. The following changes will take effect at the start of the 2023-2024 school year:
- Cell phone use will not be permitted during school hours. This includes study halls and in the hallways.
- Students should secure cell phones in their backpacks, lockers or store phones in the main office if they choose. They should be out of sight throughout the day.
- Students will be permitted to use their cell phones during their lunch periods:
- 7th and 8th Grade – 11:15 – 11:45 a.m.
- 9th and 10th Grade – 12:45 – 1:15 p.m.
- 11th and 12th Grade – 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
- We ask that parents refrain from contacting students via their cell phones during the school day and only communicate during the lunch periods.
- Parents are always welcome to contact the school if there is an emergency or with questions. The main school number is 518-827-3600.
- Students may also use any school phone to contact their parents during the school day.
Students who violate the cell phone policy will be held to strict consequences. These will be developed over the summer and shared prior to the school year.
At this time, we are not investing in Yondr Pouches. We will be tracking the data from September through December, and we will evaluate the success of the policy change. If we find we need additional support, the Yondr Pouches could be an option for the second half of the school year.
We want students to be responsible and learn how to use their devices appropriately. Your support will be vital to this endeavor.