Cell Phone Policy 25-26

Benjamin E. Mays IB World School

Cell Phone and Electronic Expectations

While cell phones and other electronics seem to be an extension of our bodies, we are not allowing them to be used in school between the hours of 7:30-2:00 pm.   Here are our expectations:

1. Personal phones and electronics are not allowed to be used at Benjamin E. Mays IB World School.
    
2. They are to remain at home. If students forget they have it on them, the phones must be completely off, not even on vibrate.
3. CONSEQUENCES:
   1. Phones and electronics will be collected and left in the office until dismissal time if a student is caught using their phone between 7:30 am-2:00 pm (even during recess and lunch). 
   2. A parent /guardian will need to come to school to pick up the phone in any case after the first.

Q: Why don’t we allow cell phones in class/lunch/bathrooms/halls during the school day?

1. We prioritize real human interaction.  We believe that learning the skills of in-person communication and collaboration is much more important.  This generation has grown up with computers and cell phones. One of the most important skills our students will learn at Benjamin E. Mays is how to get along and work well, face-to-face, with a variety of people.
    
2. Electronics are disruptive.  Cell phones ringing and buzzing disrupt both the student and the class. We want students focused on the lesson, not who’s calling or texting them.
    
3. They cause drama.  Students tend to say things online that they would never say out loud.  We don’t need extra drama at school.
    
4. They get stolen.  Unfortunately, as wonderful as our Benjamin E. Mays students are, phones are stolen.  They are attractive items. Giving the phone to the classroom teacher is best if they can’t stay at home.  While we try to help students problem-solve, the school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
    
5. They are addictive.  This generation of students is struggling to learn to think and stay busy with just their own thoughts.  Managing boredom without tools or toys is an important life skill that we have little opportunity to practice when the phone is always present.  We want our students to be fully present and experience all that school has to offer.
    
6. Students don’t need them.  Every student at Benjamin E. Mays is given an iPad for academic use, and every classroom has a phone. 

We are asking you to not only review these expectations but also help out by not texting or contacting your student during the school day. Ideally, all necessary communication should occur before and after school.  In the event of an emergency, please call the main office, 651-325-2400, and we will get a message to your student as soon as possible.  If a student needs to contact a parent, they can ask for a pass to use the phone in the office.  

Sincerely,

Principal Ms. Hughes