Cell phones and grades!

[Papa Deuce]

I have not seen a law on the books that says it is the right of a student to have a cell phone in school. Or one that says the school must return the item it confiscates until the end of the school year. Show me it.
Many items get confiscated and are not returned until a parent picks them up at the end of the year.

That's a cop out and you know it. Show me a LAW that says someone can take away their phone for a school year. ( same cop out by me ) Or show me a law that forbids it.... That would also be a cop out. All I know is that if I ask a cop to get my phone back, I would bet 10 -1 I would get it back.

 

[NotUrsula]

That would sort of work unless you have one like my DD & I have. There is NO screen unless the phone is flipped open. I don't even think they make such basic phones now. As far as I know DD just keeps hers in her backpack which is in her locker as they can't carry backpacks around either.

So you have them flip it open on the desk. (They do still make such basic phones; they are nicknamed "candy bar" style.) Whatever it takes to let the teacher confirm with a glance that the phone is indeed powered down.

Kids that don't have the phones on them and are paying attention in class have no issue -- I'm talking about foiling the one that keeps sliding surreptitious glances down at her side every 25 seconds.

The reason I advocate putting phones out where they can be seen is that they are not just bothersome in terms of kids not paying attention. Texting is also commonly used as a way to cheat on exams. If you can see the phone you can see that it is off and not being touched. Some teachers force kids to deposit the phone on the teacher's desk when they enter the classroom, and while that does fix the attention/cheating problem, it creates issues when students leave, because of people taking the wrong phone, accidentally or on purpose.

 

[tonilea]

If you have your child in school, you agree to the rules and conditions of that school. So if you/your child breaks the rules, you have already agreed to the conditions.

Trust me, cops have better things to do.

You might get the phone back, but your child might never be allowed to take a phone to school at all
The alternative might be, you child isn't allowed back to school at all.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

That's a cop out and you know it. Show me a LAW that says someone can take away their phone for a school year. ( same cop out by me ) Or show me a law that forbids it.... That would also be a cop out. All I know is that if I ask a cop to get my phone back, I would bet 10 -1 I would get it back.

Not in our school you wouldn't. And yes, it has been tested.

The rules are laid out at the beginning of the year. It is clearly stated in several different formats. Because parents are informed of the consequences, the school can and does keep the phones.

I am sure there have been exceptions for mistakes, but for the hard core kids, it doesn't matter how much a parent screams, the school can confiscate and does.

It is easy - if you don't want to lose your phone for the year, don't text or use it during class.

 

[pigletgirl]

I think its very rude when your lecturing and everyone is texting and not paying attention. Plus its usually not important at all.

Luckily in college you can do what you want, but if you fail there goes the money!

 

[tonilea]

I took the following out of a local schools student handbook.

10. PAGERS, CELLULAR PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Use and misuse of cell phones has become a serious problem that threatens the ability of the
district’s schools to properly and efficiently operate its education program. The school board
believes it is necessary to restrict student use and possession of cell phones, other electronic
communication devices cameras, MP 3 players, Ipods, and other portable music devices so that the
opportunity for learning in the district’s schools may be enhanced.
For the purpose of this policy, the use of a cell phone or other communication device includes any
incoming call, text message, message waiting, or any other audible sound coming from the phone or
device.
The student and/or the student’s parents or guardians expressly assume any risk associated with
students owning or possessing technology equipment.
From the time of the first bell until after the last bell, students are forbidden from using cell phones,
any paging device, beeper, or similar electronic communication devices. It is preferred that such
devices be stored in the student’s locker or vehicle in the silent mode of operation. The building
principal or his/her designee for health or other compelling reasons may make exceptions.
Before and after normal school hours, possession of cell phones, any paging device, beeper, or similar
electronic communication devices, cameras, MP 3 players, Ipods, and other portable music devices is
permitted on the school campus. The use of such devices at school-sponsored functions outside of the
regular school day is permitted to the extent and within the limitations allowed by the event or activity
the student is attending.
Students using or possessing, other than those devices properly stored in a locker or vehicle, cell
phones or other electronic communication devices after the first bell and before the last bell shall have
them confiscated.
Cell Phone Consequences
1st Offense Confiscation/ISS – 1 day
Parent may pick up phone at the end of one school day
2nd Offense Confiscation/ISS – 2 days
Parent may pick up the phone after 5 school days
3rd Offense Confiscation/OSS – 2 days
Parent may pick up the phone the last day of the school year
If there is an emergency and you need to contact your child, please call the office at 438-5203. Confiscated
phones will not be returned to students. High School is not responsible for any lost or stolen electronic
devices.

GREEN FOREST HIGH SCHOOL
Student’s Name (please print)_______________________________________ Grade______
I have read the Green Forest School Handbook for student conduct and discipline; and although I may
not agree with all the regulations, I understand that my son/daughter must adhere to them while at
school or in attendance at school-sponsored activities.
Home Phone Number____________________________________
Mailing Address _______________________________________
_______________________________________
Email Address __________________________________
(The email address will help with parent/teacher communication. This accessibility will open the door to
better contact.)
____________________________________ ____________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print) Date
____________________________________ ____________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
____________________________________ ____________________
Student Signature Date
State law (Arkansas Annotated 6-18-502) requires documentation of student and parent receipt of
student discipline policies.
Please return

It seems pretty clear to me that by putting your child it this school, you agree to their policies.

 

[Papa Deuce]

If you have your child in school, you agree to the rules and conditions of that school. So if you/your child breaks the rules, you have already agreed to the conditions.

Trust me, cops have better things to do.

You might get the phone back, but your child might never be allowed to take a phone to school at all
The alternative might be, you child isn't allowed back to school at all.

Is that any different than if the school takes the phone for the year? I'll take that bet anyway.

But I want to be sure that everybody understands that I am 100% against texting. I don't even like it AWAY from school. I also don't like PMing..... So, if possible, I'll have texting disabled.

 

[HelenePA]

What if my daughters were in terrible trouble and couldn't call because the school took their phones?

How did anyone survive with out cell phones If your daughters were in "terrible trouble" I would hope someone would call the police first and have the police call you... Call me crazy but if it were my kids in terrible trouble and needed help I would hope to god someone would call the cops for them.. Amazingly I did fine with out a cell phone thru all 12 years of school and college. I manged to not have one til 2000. I'm still alive.. kids will survive a WHOLE year with out cell phone/texting if its confiscated by the school

 

[Papa Deuce]

How did anyone survive with out cell phones If your daughters were in "terrible trouble" I would hope someone would call the police first and have the police call you... Call me crazy but if it were my kids in terrible trouble and needed help I would hope to god someone would call the cops for them.. Amazingly I did fine with out a cell phone thru all 12 years of school and college. I manged to not have one til 2000. I'm still alive.. kids will survive a WHOLE year with out cell phone/texting if its confiscated by the school

Your sarcasm aside, what if nobody knows? Let's say they were hit by a car in a hit and run?

Yeah, we all LIVED without them.... would be a shame if someone DIED because they didn't have one.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

I took the following out of a local schools student handbook.

Cell Phone Consequences
1st Offense Confiscation/ISS – 1 day
Parent may pick up phone at the end of one school day
2nd Offense Confiscation/ISS – 2 days
Parent may pick up the phone after 5 school days
3rd Offense Confiscation/OSS – 2 days
Parent may pick up the phone the last day of the school year
If there is an emergency and you need to contact your child, please call the office at 438-5203. Confiscated
phones will not be returned to students. High School is not responsible for any lost or stolen electronic
devices.

It seems pretty clear to me that by putting your child it this school, you agree to their policies.

That is quite similar to ours except that our school goes right to option #3. There is a zero tolerance policy on using cell phones in class. However, in the high school, they can be used during the passing period, so it is funny to see the bell ring and phones being whipped out for 4 minutes of talking, texting as the students run down the hallway.

The school has every right to confiscate the phone, an ipod, or any other device they find disruptive and they do not have to give them back till the end of the year. There are no laws that they are breaking, they are following published district rules. Consequently, the cops would laugh their heads off if you tried to make a case out of it.

If the parent doesn't like it, I guess they can always buy their snowflake another phone.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

Your sarcasm aside, what if nobody knows? Let's say they were hit by a car in a hit and run?

Yeah, we all LIVED without them.... would be a shame if someone DIED because they didn't have one.

Then make sure they know the rules and don't use them during class. It is very simple. They obey the rules and they will have their cell phone when they get hit by a car in a hit and run.

As an FYI - if your school also has a zero tolerance policy on weapons, don't make the mistake of mistakenly sending a knife to cut their apple with in their lunch. You won't be getting it back even if it is a part of Great Grandma'a heirloom silver set.

Schools can confiscate anything they want as long as the policy is set and the parents have been informed.

It amuses me that you are already railing against school rules and your kids are young. I suggest that when your kids start middle and high school, that you read the parent handbook very, very carefully before you choose that school.

 

[tonilea]

Is that any different than if the school takes the phone for the year? I'll take that bet anyway.

But I want to be sure that everybody understands that I am 100% against texting. I don't even like it AWAY from school. I also don't like PMing..... So, if possible, I'll have texting disabled.

Still, my point is.. if you sign the student handbook (which is required for your child to attend school), then you are not only aware of the consequences, you agree to accept them - even if you don't agree with them.


ETA: Papa Deuce, do you think it is kinda funny we are debating this and we don't even have a dog in this fight? By the time my DS is that old, no telling what will get him in trouble.

 

[stashbin]

Wow...I had to leave the thread for a while and I just finished reading the responses. First, just let me address that I have NOT lost control of my classroom as first suggested. Second, there are rules in place about cell phones at our school....the rules are NO PHONES AT SCHOOL PERIOD. So, when I catch them texting (which is often since they have gotten so good at it they can text in their pockets without even looking!) I take the phone. I turn it in, and a week later they have it back again. At our school, unless the kid is caught cheating on a state test they can have the phone back on Mondays. My whole thing is this: If some of these kids weren't spending so much of their class time texting, they may actually be passing their classes.
I also saw where some parents stated that their children have unlimited texting and have a 4.0.....well not all kids do have a 4.0 and that was my point. Some of these children are spending too much of their class time texting and not paying attention. When I catch them, I take the phone. But the underlying problem is still there. They get the phone back. I wish there was some way to cut texting off from the hours of 7-3. NOT the ability to make calls...just texting. As an educator of adults and children I feel it is a distraction in the classroom.

 

[cristit14]

At our schools, if they are caught during school hours with the phone on it gets confiscated and taken to the principal. It won't be returned to the kid, only to a parent when they come by the school.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Still, my point is.. if you sign the student handbook (which is required for your child to attend school), then you are not only aware of the consequences, you agree to accept them - even if you don't agree with them.


ETA: Papa Deuce, do you think it is kinda funny we are debating this and we don't even have a dog in this fight? By the time my DS is that old, no telling what will get him in trouble.

I guess you are right. But one thing about me... no matter what it is in the world, and regardless of any consequences I may face, and even if everybody else in the world thinks I am wrong, I'll fight the fight for what I believe in, even if it is a small issue.

Just my personality to do that. And I am fine with my way of thinking. I've been wrong many times before, and I'll be wrong again.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

Wow...I had to leave the thread for a while and I just finished reading the responses. First, just let me address that I have NOT lost control of my classroom as first suggested. Second, there are rules in place about cell phones at our school....the rules are NO PHONES AT SCHOOL PERIOD. So, when I catch them texting (which is often since they have gotten so good at it they can text in their pockets without even looking!) I take the phone. I turn it in, and a week later they have it back again. At our school, unless the kid is caught cheating on a state test they can have the phone back on Mondays. My whole thing is this: If some of these kids weren't spending so much of their class time texting, they may actually be passing their classes.
I also saw where some parents stated that their children have unlimited texting and have a 4.0.....well not all kids do have a 4.0 and that was my point. Some of these children are spending too much of their class time texting and not paying attention. When I catch them, I take the phone. But the underlying problem is still there. They get the phone back. I wish there was some way to cut texting off from the hours of 7-3. NOT the ability to make calls...just texting. As an educator of adults and children I feel it is a distraction in the classroom.

Unless they have a braille phone, they are going to need to look at it to see what was texted back to them. Move those kids to the front of the room so you can watch them. Or somebody else had a great suggestion - make the kids put their cell phones on the corner of their desks so you can watch them.

If there are children in your classroom spending too much time texting and not paying attention, you need to address those students. This still sounds like a teacher and school problem, not a cell phone company problem. Getting the cell phone company's to stop texting is not going to help. Those students will just find some other distraction.

My kid's high school has a 90+% college acceptance rate. And the kids are all very into texting. It can be done.

There is a way to cut texting off from 7-3 - strict enforcement of the rules.

 

[HelenePA]

Your sarcasm aside, what if nobody knows? Let's say they were hit by a car in a hit and run?

Yeah, we all LIVED without them.... would be a shame if someone DIED because they didn't have one.

Would also be ashame if they died because they were texting while driving.. You need to lay the ground rules from the start.. I would think no texting in class would be a start.. Oh I WAS hit by a driver (who did stop) with out a cell phone.. I could NOT move.. I was pinned in my car.. Thankfully the neighbors who saw it called the cops for me.. I didn't need a cell phone (not that I could have used it anyway!)

 

[mjkacmom]

Wow...I had to leave the thread for a while and I just finished reading the responses. First, just let me address that I have NOT lost control of my classroom as first suggested. Second, there are rules in place about cell phones at our school....the rules are NO PHONES AT SCHOOL PERIOD. So, when I catch them texting (which is often since they have gotten so good at it they can text in their pockets without even looking!) I take the phone. I turn it in, and a week later they have it back again. At our school, unless the kid is caught cheating on a state test they can have the phone back on Mondays. My whole thing is this: If some of these kids weren't spending so much of their class time texting, they may actually be passing their classes.
I also saw where some parents stated that their children have unlimited texting and have a 4.0.....well not all kids do have a 4.0 and that was my point. Some of these children are spending too much of their class time texting and not paying attention. When I catch them, I take the phone. But the underlying problem is still there. They get the phone back. I wish there was some way to cut texting off from the hours of 7-3. NOT the ability to make calls...just texting. As an educator of adults and children I feel it is a distraction in the classroom.

I asked dd if kids texted a lot in school, and she said no, no one wanted their phone taken away (they get it back after detention). I think the threat of a WHOLE WEEK would be very effective here! Again, it could be regional, and children here in NE NJ are mostly planning on going off to college, and take school seriously.

I'd be going to the school if they took my child's phone for a year, for breaking a rule, because I think that punishment goes too far. However, I sincerely doubt there would be need of such a strict punishment here, and I doubt that dd would text in school (she's terrified of detention - LOL).

 

[RitaE]

Wow...I had to leave the thread for a while and I just finished reading the responses. First, just let me address that I have NOT lost control of my classroom as first suggested. Second, there are rules in place about cell phones at our school....the rules are NO PHONES AT SCHOOL PERIOD. So, when I catch them texting (which is often since they have gotten so good at it they can text in their pockets without even looking!) I take the phone. I turn it in, and a week later they have it back again. At our school, unless the kid is caught cheating on a state test they can have the phone back on Mondays. My whole thing is this: If some of these kids weren't spending so much of their class time texting, they may actually be passing their classes.
I also saw where some parents stated that their children have unlimited texting and have a 4.0.....well not all kids do have a 4.0 and that was my point. Some of these children are spending too much of their class time texting and not paying attention. When I catch them, I take the phone. But the underlying problem is still there. They get the phone back. I wish there was some way to cut texting off from the hours of 7-3. NOT the ability to make calls...just texting. As an educator of adults and children I feel it is a distraction in the classroom.

So, you keep confiscating the phones, the phones are returned to the kids the next Monday, rinse and repeat?

There is no escalation of consequences for blatant continuance of infractions? That sounds like a problem.

 

[monsterkitty]

Our parents have to sign a seperate cell phone/electronic device policy at the beginning of the year, in addition to the school and district handbook policies. The cell phone/electronic device policy is listed in every single handbook plus the single page. Our policy is:

1. Item is confiscated and returned only when a parent picks the item up in the office. Student is given lunch detention for 3 days.
2. Item is confiscated and parents must again pick up the item in the office. The parents sign another form stating that if the item is confiscated again, it will not be returned until the last day of school. Student receives one week of lunch detentions.
3. Item is confiscated and will not be returned until the last day of school. No other detentions or suspensions are given because losing the phone is the worst punishment.

Have parents fought this policy when their child has lost the cell phone. You bet they have. Have they won? Nope because there is no way a parent can say they were not aware of the policy. Have parents tried to call the police and report the cell phone stolen by the school? Yup! What happened with that? They were told by the DA that charges could not be pressed because they were aware of and signed off on the school policy. Has a parent taken the principal to small claims court over the phone? Yup! Have the parents won? Nope! Same reason and the judge thanked the parents for wasting his time (the principal was my sister ).