28 September—It was 14 years ago today that 437 people in Calgary, Alberta, dressed as Superman to set a world record.

In other news, just the other day the superintendent sent out an email expressing his “heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff and faculty of Region 20 for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, which ensured a smooth and successful start to the school year.” Jeffrey A. Villar, Ph.D., was “proud to say that Region 20 is on a path that will lead to continuous improvement and success.” Amen.

The super super went on to update community members on “several changes in policy and or regulations,” including one “governing the use of cell phones during school.” He seemed rather apologetic about the new cellphone policy. But he needn’t have been, because it’s reasonable to a fault and accommodates even the helicopter parents who “value the connection that a cellphone provides between them and their children.” (One wonders what they’d have done in the bad old days.)

Truth be told, there’s absolutely no justification for pupils—or teachers, for that matter—to have any digital or other devices during classes other than those actually being used for the classes. Period. Full stop. That’s all there is to it. And infractions by pupils and teachers should be punished accordingly. Especially those by teachers. (As if the union and arbitrators would allow that to happen.)

So here’s Superintendent Villar’s eloquent apologia followed by the cellphone policy. At least it doesn’t involve those ridiculous Yondr lock pouches:

The development of the policy was challenging because there are many firmly held beliefs about both the benefits and drawbacks of students possessing and using cellphones, especially at school. Through its discussions, the committee recognized that many parents value the connection that a cell phone provides between them and their children. Additionally, many children need to communicate with family members after school hours, especially older students who may work or participate in after-school activities. On the other hand, a growing number of studies are revealing the disruptive nature of cell phones in schools, particularly because they provide access to social media platforms. These platforms, when unregulated access is allowed, are increasingly linked to increased mental health challenges in youth.

The phenomenon has become so prevalent that the Connecticut State Board of Education released a position statement that strongly recommends that each Board of Education establish a cell phone policy that “restricts the use of cell phones during the school day to ensure student engagement in learning, support emotional well-being, and strengthen students’ interpersonal skills, peer interaction, and social communication.” You can find this position statement here: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/-/media/sde/board/position_statement_cell_phone_use.

The following outlines the new regulations I have developed to implement the Board of Education’s new policy.

● Elementary School: No use of a cell phone/smartwatch or other personal communication device will be permitted during school hours. These devices must be turned off and left in backpacks, stored in a student’s locker/cubbie, or other place designated by building administration.

● Middle School: No use of a cell phone/smartwatch or other personal communication device will be permitted during school hours. These devices must be turned off or on silent and left in backpacks, stored in a student’s locker, or other place designated by building administration.

● High School: Cell phones/smartwatches may be used in non-classroom areas as designated by the school administration. While the possession and limited use of a cell phone/smartwatch, or other personal communication device in school is permitted, the device must be turned off or on silent and kept out of sight in classrooms during the school day.

Regulations Applicable to all Grade Levels

● Cell phones mustn’t be a source of distraction at school. Cell phones should not be set to vibrate or to make any noise that may disrupt instruction. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that cell phones remain powered down during the school day.

● The availability of school-provided electronic devices (iPads) eliminates any instructional purpose for cellphones in the classroom.

● The use of a smartwatch is defined as using the smartwatch to access content, communicate, or do anything other than checking the time of day.

● Cell phones/smartwatches that make noise and or disrupt the classroom or violate other district policies and or regulations may result in disciplinary action.

● School administrators are empowered to confiscate cell phones, smartwatches, or other wireless communication devices at any time for failure to follow administrative regulations. We are committed to maintaining a focused and respectful learning environment for all students.

Responsibility/Liability

Any student who chooses to bring a cellular telephone or other wireless communication device to school shall do so at his or her own risk and shall be personally responsible for the security of his or her cellular phone or wireless communication device. Neither the school personnel nor the Board of Education will assume any responsibility or liability for loss, theft, damage, or vandalism to a cellular phone or other wireless communication device brought onto school property, or for the unauthorized use of any such device.

If your child possesses a cell phone, smartwatch, or other electronic communication device, please take a moment to review the regulations together. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s building principal directly. They will be happy to speak with you about how this policy and accompanying regulations are implemented at their school.