Cell Phone Policy

  • Cell Phone Guidelines & Agreement

    Teaching students to use technology safely and appropriately continues to be part of everyday learning; however, cell phones have proven to be a distraction in the classroom and detrimental to the learning environment. We are actively working to maintain the physical and social emotional health of our students, which has led to the re-evaluation of our Cell Phone Guidelines and Agreement. This new agreement has been created with the consideration of students, staff, and parents/guardians and with student learning at the forefront. Given current research and data, we know that not having access to phones during school is best practice.   

    In addition, over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in student use of cell phones at school. We also understand that students have been isolated and impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We realize that one of the outcomes of this was an increased use of technology by students. We are seeing this at Prairie, as are schools across the district and country. Please visit our website for more information about this.

    That being said, we also realize that our parents/guardians feel it is important for students to have access to their phones each day.  Students may only use/access their phones or wireless audio while in the cafeteria or outside, before school, during their lunchtime, and after school.  All students are issued a computer, so there is no need for additional personal devices in the classroom.  

    Prairie Middle School recognizes the importance of communication and collaboration, and provides devices for students to be productive in the classroom. To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the school will be enforcing the following:

    • Cell phones and all mobile devices shall be turned off or in silent mode in all classrooms, the library, common areas, hallways, offices  or restrooms.
    • No wireless audio devices are allowed in the classrooms, the library, common areas, hallways, offices or restrooms.  (ie:  Airpods, wireless earbuds/headsets, etc.)  Students should have wired headphones/earbuds for learning purposes.
    • Cell phones and audio devices must be out of sight and kept in the student’s personal belongings (backpack, pocket, purse, etc).
    • Cell phones and wireless audio devices may not be used in classrooms as a replacement for a computer or wired audio devices that were left at home.  
    • Cell phones and audio devices are not to be used during transition times or between classes.
    • If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, they may ask their teacher to use a building phone located in the classroom, the main office, and grade level offices.
    • Parents/guardians can call the Main Office at 720-747-3200 to relay urgent and important messages to students. If the message relates to different dismissal procedures, please call by 2:30 pm if at all possible.

    If a student is found to have their phone or using another audio device, the consequences will be as follows:

    1st offense: 

    • The device will be placed in a locked case by the student, and at the teacher’s convenience, will deliver the device in the locked case to the Dean’s Office.
    • The device will be secured in the Dean’s Office until the end of the school day.
    • The student will sign in and pick up the device at the end of the school day.
    • A parent/guardian will receive an email or phone call from the Dean’s Office to notify the device has been placed in a case and stored.

    2nd offense:

    • The device will be placed in a locked case by the student, and at the teacher’s convenience, will deliver the device in the locked case to the Dean's Office.
    • The device will be secured in the grade level 0ffice until the end of the school day.
    • The student will receive a referral and the District consequence as related to technology will be applied.
    • Students will sign in and pick up the device at the end of the school day.
    • A parent/guardian will receive an email or phone call from the grade level office to notify the device has been placed in a case and stored.

    3rd offense:

    • The device will be placed in a locked case by the student, and at the teacher’s convenience, will deliver the device in the locked case to the Dean's Office.
    • The device will be secured in the grade level office until the end of the school day.
    • The student will receive a referral and the District's consequences related to technology for a second offense will be applied. 
    • Students will sign in and pick up the device at the end of the school day.
    • A parent/guardian will receive an email or phone call from the Dean’s Office to notify the device has been placed in a case and stored.
    • Problem-Solving Meeting: Parent/Guardian Meeting/Phone Conference Required about continued plan for phone moving forward.

    4th offense:

    • The student will be required to turn in their phone to the Dean's Office at the beginning of each day and will sign in and pick up the device at the end of the school day.  
    • The device will be secured in the grade level office until the end of the school day.

     

    Refusal to place device in case: Student and device will be sent to the Dean’s Office along with a referral. District consequences related to defiance will be applied.

    Damage to case: If the case or lock is damaged while in the student’s possession, the parent/guardian will be responsible for the cost of replacement.

    Our goal is to create a safe environment, conducive to learning, and free of all distractions that hinder the learning process.   If you would like more information, we are happy to answer any questions you may have as to why these guidelines have been adopted.

    The school is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen electronic devices.  If students choose to bring personal devices, they are responsible for their safe keeping.

    Please remember that students are not to use cell phones during the school day (8:50 a.m.- 3:45 p.m.) except at lunch. In the event of an emergency, please do the following:

    • If you need to get an immediate message from your child, please call the Main Office at (720) 747-3200 and the message will be delivered to your student.
    • Families who speak other languages than English should also call the Main Office at (720) 747-3200 and state your child’s name.  The office will locate your child for you to speak to. 

    This policy is in the student handbook. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

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