At WR Myers we believe that students deserve to learn in a space with minimal distractions so that they can reach their full potential. Cell phone use can create distractions and diminish the learning experience for students. Under the direction of Alberta Education and the Horizon School Division, WR Myers has adopted the following policy.
Restrictions
Personal Mobile Devices (PMD) are expected to be out of sight, and powered down or on silent during instructional time.
No use of PMD is permitted in bathrooms or changing room areas at any time, including during breaks. Usage in bathrooms or changing rooms will result in immediate confiscation of the PMD.
Students will be allowed to use cell phones during breaks in between classes, so long as they are not in restricted areas (i.e. bathrooms or changerooms).
Exceptions
Teachers may allow students to use PMD for educational purposes during instructional time.
Students may use PMD for health or medical reasons or to support special learning needs.
The Principal must approve these exceptions prior to them being issued.
Non-compliance
Any student who fails to follow these guidelines will have their PMD confiscated for the day. The teacher confiscating it will, at a time acceptable to them, bring it down to the office for storage. Parents will be notified.
Notwithstanding confiscation for the purpose of discipline, the school assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair, or replacement of such items, except in the case of gross negligence.
Students can pick up their PMD at the end of the day.
If a student continues to break this policy, the consequences of non-compliance will escalate and may result in the student not being allowed to bring their PMD onto school grounds.
Storage of Devices
Teachers will bring PMD to the office where it will be stored in the office safe for the remainder of the day.
Communication Home
Teachers will notify parents by email.
Definitions
For the purpose of this policy, a personal mobile device includes any internet-connected device. This includes, but is not limited to: smartphones, smart watches, and non-school provided laptops.
Reference: Horizon School Division Policy IGB