Electronic Devices/ Digital Citizenship

Real World Readiness

Electronic Devices/”Digital Citizenship”

Technology, when used appropriately, is a wonderful tool that can be used for communication, research, entertainment, and learning. Technological advances have become so beneficial to us that they are now a major part of our society. Whether they are used in our professional careers or in our personal lives, we have become dependent upon their uses. This is apparent everywhere you go. No matter the situation or activity, people can be seen using their cell phones, i-Touches, Kindles, iPods, i-pads, etc. The use of these devices, if used appropriately, can help us teach our students the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in an unknown future job market.

The faculty and administration at Madison HS recognize the relevance of electronic devices and their role in our society. This is why we continue to encourage our teachers and students to utilize technology as much as possible in the learning process. However, there is a growing concern over the ways in which technology can be used to relay negative messages to others in school and at home. Sexting, cyberbullying, Facebook, YouTube, etc… are all reasons for concern. The main goal of these guidelines is to help students understand the full impact technology has on society and the importance of taking responsibility when using it in school, at home, or in the community.

As we are becoming more concerned with the various negative uses of technology, we also are becoming more leery regarding the manner in which these hand-held devices are interfering with learning. Receiving phone calls, text messages, or listening to a device interrupts learning in the classroom. As we continue to incorporate technology, especially the hand-held devices into the classroom, we see the necessity of devising a set of expectations for students. These expectations will help us teach students the proper use of technology by identifying when, how, and the proper etiquette associated with using it.

As parents, we also understand the necessity for students to have their electronic devices with them in case of an emergency. In today’s world, the cell phone, for example, has become a means by which parents can relay important messages, make contact, or check up on their children. We also understand that it is an important means for students to be in contact with each other. The faculty and staff at Madison will continue to encourage students to utilize technology in learning. When students decide to use technology in an inappropriate manner, however, we will have no choice but to confiscate these devices until we can appropriately return the phone.

With the help from parents, students, and teachers, Madison’s teaching staff has been working on a plan to help educate our students regarding proper technological etiquette. We have also incorporated a new system of consequences for inappropriate use of technology while on campus. With your support, I believe we can help all students understand the importance of “Digital Citizenship.”

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

“The appropriate way to use electronic devices at Madison”

1. Unless authorized by a teacher, no electronic device use will be allowed during class time.

2. Students will be allowed to use their devices before 8:45 a.m., during passing periods, during the student’s lunch period, and after 4:05 p.m.

3. During a class period, students will not be allowed to use his/her electronic device inside or outside of the classroom unless a teacher gives him/her specific permission to do so. This includes restroom breaks, trips to the office, lockers, counseling office, or other reasons for being in the hallway during instruction time.

4. If a teacher does not allow the use of hand held devices in their room, all electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight. This includes earphones and/or headphones.

5. There are two methods in reclaiming an electronic device that has been taken up by a faculty member.

a. A parent may schedule an appointment to meet with an administrator.

b. Students may pick up their device on designated afternoons.

6. When a device is taken up by a teacher, staff member, or admin, the student receives a “claim” ticket stub. A duplicate ticket stub will be attached to the device. The device and ticket are then turned in to the main office. The ticket will include the student’s name, ID number, and date as well as the name of the teacher, staff member or admin confiscating the device. A lost “claim” ticket will require a photo ID or other “proof” that the item belongs to that student. When confiscated, the teacher is to turn in the phone to the administrative office no later than 4:30 p.m. the same day.

7. Students refusing to turn over their electronic devices will automatically be placed in ISS (In-School Suspension) for class room disruption and defiance.

8. Each Wednesday and Friday afternoon, students may pick up confiscated items from 4:05-4:30 p.m. in the AP center. This will be the only time they can be claimed. Any device confiscated on Monday or Tuesday will be given back to the student on Wednesday. Items confiscated on Wednesday or Thursday will be given back to the student on Friday. Items confiscated on a Friday will be given back the following Wednesday or a parent may make an appointment with an administrator. If a student holiday falls on a Friday, then Thursday will be the pick-up day.

9. To pick up an item, the student will need the “claim” ticket stub and a picture ID, or other form of identification to verify that the item belongs to him/her. Students in co-op or early release will have to make arrangements to pick up their devices in the main office before leaving campus on a designated pick up day.

10. After the third time an electronic device is confiscated from a student, that student will no longer have the option to pick up their electronic device on Wednesday or Friday afternoons and additional consequences may be implemented. A parent must make an appointment with an administrator. Following a conference, the item will then be returned to the parent.

11. Any misuse of an electronic device, such as sexting, taking inappropriate pictures, cyberbullying, unauthorized recording and/or cheating, will have the item confiscated for a period of time determined by the Student/Parent Handbook guidelines. An administrator will also contact the parent to discuss the possibility of further disciplinary consequences. In certain cases an exception may apply to this practice, ie. the device is considered evidence, the device is confiscated until the investigation is completed.

It is important for students to understand that the faculty and administration do not want to confiscate electronic devices. We believe these devices, if used properly, can enhance learning. However, our purpose at school is to learn, and a part of that learning includes teaching the proper use of technology. It is important that we all understand how and when to use electronic devises whether that is a school setting or in a setting outside of school.

North East ISD will not be responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen cell phones/telecommunication devices.

Thank you for continually supporting us as we prepare our students for the future.

Very Respectfully,

Steve Zimmerman

Principal

James Madison High School