New Policy: APS school board adopts all-day ban on student phone use, makes one exception

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/arlington/Board.nsf/files/DBTR7M6BF6F2/$file/J-30%20Student%20Use%20of%20Cell%20Phones%20and%20Personal%20Electronic%20Communication%20Devices_.pdf">Policy J-30 Student Use of Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Communication Devices</a>

School Board adopts all-day ban on student phone use, makes one exception
https://www.arlnow.com/2024/12/13/school-board-adopts-all-day-ban-on-student-phone-use-makes-one-exception/

"Arlington School Board members Thursday night (Dec. 12) voted unanimously (5-0) to implement a bell-to-bell ban on student use of phones in county schools starting Jan. 6. High school students will be allowed to have “brief” access to their phones in designated areas during non-instructional time, most likely around lunchtime."

No mention of penalties for students, and admin/teachers who do not follow the new policy.

Where do you see that this applies to admin/teachers? The quote above specifies “student use”.

It says they have to be off and away. It doesn't say only students have to turn them off and put them away.

Why would it be OK for teachers to play on their phones during the school day?

The policy is titled “Student use of cell phones…”. Everything that follows in the post mentions “student”.

Why are you asking if it would be ok for teachers to “play on their phones”? Who suggested that? There are, however, legitimate reasons a teacher might utilize a phone during the school day.

what are the legitimate reasons a teacher might have to use their phone during the school day?

None of your fcking business.

Well, you are quite unpleasant. And what do you mean not of my business? The teachers are ON the job supposed to be teaching my children. What they do during this time is exactly my and all of our business.

I'll ask again - why would a teacher HAVE to use their phone during the school day?

No. You don't get to ask that. You are not their boss and you have zero say into their work expectations.

Sit down.

Lots of people here don't seem to have a problem with bossing around other people's kids.

A ban on an addictive and distracting device that was recommended by your child’s teachers? And all scientists? And now most major school jurisdictions across the country? And the elite private schools? And most parents?

And opposed by most students? And some helicopter parents who can’t handle their child’s sports practice change?

If they're that bad, then teachers shouldn't have them during the school day, either.

Teachers are adults with different responsibilities. What are you, 12?

If a teacher is using a phone during class to scroll TikTok, I agree they should be fired. We can’t expel students for doing it though, because this is public school.

Or between classes. Or during lunch.

Let's install MDM software on any phones that teachers use during the school day to monitor for such unauthorized uses.

Again with the “let’s.” Sweetie, the pittance of your property taxes earmarked for public schools makes you the boss of NO ONE.

DP
"Let's" is actually correct in this instance. It is a contraction for "let us". You use it to make suggestions about what you and someone else should do. "Lets" is when someone is giving permission. You would write, "My dad never lets us go to the pool".

[Anonymous]

I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

Waiting for the commentary about why she shouldn’t have texted me…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Yorktown, they are now confiscating phones if they are seen in the lunch room. My DC is following the rules, but said morale is really low, especially among seniors.

Well yeah of course if you are practically addicted to something and then you have to go cold turkey of course you are going to be sad and depressed. Duh. I am sure they will get over it.

Why don't YOU try getting rid of your phone all day and report back on how long you hold out?

I go "all day" without it - unless someone I know calls me on my cell phone - most days. I'll have it on me most of the time when I'm out of the house in case it's needed/receive emergency message from school or family; but I don't carry it around the house with me all night or all day on the weekends.
My spouse goes "all day" without it because it's BANNED in his work space. He doesn't even bother to take it in and lock it up anymore. So, he manages regularly from the time he gets up at 5 am (uses it as alarm to wake) until after he gets home 4 - 5 pm.
So, I'd say we "hold out" pretty well. Of course there are times it would be helpful if the other had their phone on them, but we survive. Your child will survive 6-1/2 hours on school days with a check-in opportunity mid-way.

so you're not going without it all day at all if you answer calls and have it on you. Try doing what you're doing to the kids. Put it in a pouch and lock it away. I'm sure you can figure out another way to contact people and function!!!

Calm down.

The policy is, and will continue to be, for students and not for adult teachers. Cope.

It seems you are the one who can't cope with the thought of being without your phone. Practice what you preach and then we'll talk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

Why the heck are you texting your teacher friends while you are supposed to be teaching our kids? Like being out of Kleenex is some sort of big emergency? No wonder the kids are on their phones so much, they see their teachers doing it all the time. Thanks for showing us teachers can't handle this privilege either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Policy J-30 Student Use of Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Communication Devices

School Board adopts all-day ban on student phone use, makes one exception
https://www.arlnow.com/2024/12/13/school-board-adopts-all-day-ban-on-student-phone-use-makes-one-exception/

"Arlington School Board members Thursday night (Dec. 12) voted unanimously (5-0) to implement a bell-to-bell ban on student use of phones in county schools starting Jan. 6. High school students will be allowed to have “brief” access to their phones in designated areas during non-instructional time, most likely around lunchtime."

No mention of penalties for students, and admin/teachers who do not follow the new policy.

Where do you see that this applies to admin/teachers? The quote above specifies “student use”.

It says they have to be off and away. It doesn't say only students have to turn them off and put them away.

Why would it be OK for teachers to play on their phones during the school day?

The policy is titled “Student use of cell phones…”. Everything that follows in the post mentions “student”.

Why are you asking if it would be ok for teachers to “play on their phones”? Who suggested that? There are, however, legitimate reasons a teacher might utilize a phone during the school day.

what are the legitimate reasons a teacher might have to use their phone during the school day?

None of your fcking business.

Well, you are quite unpleasant. And what do you mean not of my business? The teachers are ON the job supposed to be teaching my children. What they do during this time is exactly my and all of our business.

I'll ask again - why would a teacher HAVE to use their phone during the school day?

No. You don't get to ask that. You are not their boss and you have zero say into their work expectations.

Sit down.

Lots of people here don't seem to have a problem with bossing around other people's kids.

A ban on an addictive and distracting device that was recommended by your child’s teachers? And all scientists? And now most major school jurisdictions across the country? And the elite private schools? And most parents?

And opposed by most students? And some helicopter parents who can’t handle their child’s sports practice change?

If they're that bad, then teachers shouldn't have them during the school day, either.

I’m convinced. If teachers are really so against phones in school, they should live with the same ban. Principles too. Let’s get them pouches. Violations subject to write up’s. Let the teachers focus on teaching without social media distractions.

You can’t spell principal. You don’t know that plural nouns don’t require apostrophes.

You’re a teenager. No wonder you’re so upset. Now that you don’t have your electronic crutch, maybe you can actually learn something.

You got me. My teacher spent too much time on her phone, so she didn't teach me grammar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

Why the heck are you texting your teacher friends while you are supposed to be teaching our kids? Like being out of Kleenex is some sort of big emergency? No wonder the kids are on their phones so much, they see their teachers doing it all the time. Thanks for showing us teachers can't handle this privilege either.

We try to keep Kleenex around. Lots of sick kids. You got me- I’m worthless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

We pulled our kid for private school for HS as the APS crazies are just too much and have way too much power. At our private high school, this behavior would simply not be tolerated and the family would not be invited back. I mean, if some nutso family walked in and said you took away phones from my kid, we demand the same treatment of your teachers. It’s really sad to me that people actually think this. I’m sorry if you are a teacher and have to put up with this. It’s so disrespectful of what you do. I appreciate that teachers actually have kids best interest at heart at school and want to separate them from phones for a few hours a day to learn. Thank you for what you do and just know that the few crazies posting here are not what many believe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

Why the heck are you texting your teacher friends while you are supposed to be teaching our kids? Like being out of Kleenex is some sort of big emergency? No wonder the kids are on their phones so much, they see their teachers doing it all the time. Thanks for showing us teachers can't handle this privilege either.

HaHa! I knew you’d have a problem with that. It took 10 seconds. Calm down. I’m pretty sure I could work circles around you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

We pulled our kid for private school for HS as the APS crazies are just too much and have way too much power. At our private high school, this behavior would simply not be tolerated and the family would not be invited back. I mean, if some nutso family walked in and said you took away phones from my kid, we demand the same treatment of your teachers. It’s really sad to me that people actually think this. I’m sorry if you are a teacher and have to put up with this. It’s so disrespectful of what you do. I appreciate that teachers actually have kids best interest at heart at school and want to separate them from phones for a few hours a day to learn. Thank you for what you do and just know that the few crazies posting here are not what many believe.

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

[Anonymous]

Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

I understand. But a call to the office isn't a huge disruption. And it doesn't require looking up everyone's classroom # like the previous comment complained about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

I understand. But a call to the office isn't a huge disruption. And it doesn't require looking up everyone's classroom # like the previous comment complained about.

I am the previous commenter, and I can tell you a text is much more discreet and less distracting. However, teacher or not, I feel like most people can use their imagination to figure out why an adult professional working with students might want access to a cell phone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not that it's needed, but here's a simple example of how a cell phone was helpful for me, a grown up, while teaching in a classroom. Perhaps I needed assistance in my classroom and my kids were reading quietly. I could text the office and ask for someone to be sent down. The kids wouldn't be disturbed, like if I had called on the landline, and we'd get the support we needed. No harm. No foul. Cell phones aren't the horrible thing some make them out to be.

I understand. But a call to the office isn't a huge disruption. And it doesn't require looking up everyone's classroom # like the previous comment complained about.

For kids quietly engaged in work, it is a distraction and one that could be avoided using modern tech.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m worried these people are teaching their kids that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers. One of my colleagues texted me that we were out of Kleenex and some kid told her that her father said teachers shouldn’t be allowed on their phones, either. As you can imagine, she was really snotty about it. Allowing teenagers to believe that they should have the same privileges as their adult teachers is a mistake. That kind of thing is what is ruining education.

Why the heck are you texting your teacher friends while you are supposed to be teaching our kids? Like being out of Kleenex is some sort of big emergency? No wonder the kids are on their phones so much, they see their teachers doing it all the time. Thanks for showing us teachers can't handle this privilege either.

We try to keep Kleenex around. Lots of sick kids. You got me- I’m worthless.

The cell phone police said the kids could figure out how to communicate without phones but you can't?