Dear Northwestern Junior/Senior High School Families:
At Northwestern Junior/Senior High School, we are focused on valuing one another, working with one another, and succeeding together. Our cell phone policy helps us focus and limit distractions during all parts of the school day so that we may achieve our goals.
To support school environments in which students can fully engage with their classmates, their teachers, and instruction, the Board of Education of Northwestern Local Schools has determined the use of cell phones by students during school hours should be limited.
The objective of this policy is to strengthen Northwestern Local Schools' focus on learning, in alignment with our mission to ignite students’ passion for learning, cultivate a strong foundation of knowledge, and foster a sense of community within our schools.
Please review our policy that includes the expectations of student use of cell phones and other devices, consequences of inappropriate use, and the communication plan to families in the event of an emergency:
I. RESEARCH
Research shows that student use of cellphones in schools has negative effects on student performance and mental health. Cell phones distract students from classroom instruction, resulting in smaller learning gains and lower test scores. Increased cell phone use has led to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in children.
II. APPLICABILITY
This policy applies to the use of cell phones by students while on school property during school hours.
III. USE OF CELL PHONES
High school students are prohibited from using cell phones/smart watches during class times.
Junior high students are prohibited from using cell phones/smart watches during the school day.
IV. EXCEPTION
Nothing in this policy prohibits a student from using a cell phone for a purpose documented in the student’s individualized education program developed under Chapter 3323 of the Ohio Revised Code or a plan developed under section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 794.
A student may use a cell phone to monitor or address a health concern.
V. CELL PHONE STORAGE
High school students shall keep their cellphones in a storage device provided by the district during class. Junior high students shall keep their cellphones in a storage device provided by the district during class. At all other times during the school day, junior high students should keep their phones in a secure place, at all times when cell phone use is prohibited.
VI. DISCIPLINE
If a student violates this policy, a teacher or administrator shall take the following progressively serious disciplinary measures:
Give the student a verbal warning and require the student to store the student’s cell phone in accordance with this policy.
Securely store the student’s cell phone in a teacher- or administrator-controlled locker, bin, or drawer for the duration of the class or period.
Place the student’s cell phone in the school’s main office for the remainder of the school day.
Place the student’s cell phone in the school’s main office to be picked up by the student’s parent or guardian.
Schedule a conference with the student’s parent or guardian to discuss the student’s cell phone use.
The use of battery operated devices for the purpose of taking photographs, or video recording or texting at school, on the school bus, or on school grounds without administrative approval is strictly prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in consequences ranging from “Friday School” to recommendation for expulsion.
The use of battery operated devices for the purpose of bullying and/or harassment will result in consequences ranging from “Friday School” to recommendation for expulsion.
Any student who refuses to follow the above mentioned cell phone/battery operated devices expectations will be given consequences ranging from Friday school to recommendation for expulsion.
Family support is essential to the success of Northwestern Junior/Senior High School’s cell phone policy. Be sure to review the phone policy as a family. Consider:
Proactively talking with your student about after school plans, lunch planning, appointments, or activities in advance of arrival to school.
Reminding your student how they can reach family during school hours, and how you can reach them in case of an emergency through the school office.
Visiting http://education.ohio.gov/cellphones for more information and resources about cell phone use for your family.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in facilitating a safe and supportive learning environment. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rebecca Kleinhenz, Principal
Mr. Matt Bushey, Assistant Principal