Many of my kids have smart watches, anyway. Admin just doesn't seem to understand that those things are like wrist-phones, so there are no rules about them. Plus the kids all have their phones in their pockets, so when they ask to go to the bathroom they are really asking to go text their friends.

Anonymous wrote:The thing that bugs me is if YOU do not want YOUR kid to have a phone for some reason, then YOU don't give her/him one. Or track data usage during school to see if he/she is disobeying YOUR rules.

I do not know why people laud a policy that takes away other people's choices and autonomy. I, for one, prefer, my kid to have his phone to text his friends or classmates about where to meet, or last minute questions on what needs to be brought to class.

He did that a lot last year. He is not into social media, and he is not allowed to use his phone during lunch per our rules. He wouldn't anyway because he is too social.

But if you are SOOOO worried about a phone being a crutch for YOUR kid, then don't let YOUR kid have one.

I am not happy with the change at Thoreau as there were very few problems anyway.

What about all the studies that show that off-class-topic screen use by one kid distracts everyone else who can see the screen?

Anonymous wrote:The thing that bugs me is if YOU do not want YOUR kid to have a phone for some reason, then YOU don't give her/him one. Or track data usage during school to see if he/she is disobeying YOUR rules.

I do not know why people laud a policy that takes away other people's choices and autonomy. I, for one, prefer, my kid to have his phone to text his friends or classmates about where to meet, or last minute questions on what needs to be brought to class.

He did that a lot last year. He is not into social media, and he is not allowed to use his phone during lunch per our rules. He wouldn't anyway because he is too social.

But if you are SOOOO worried about a phone being a crutch for YOUR kid, then don't let YOUR kid have one.

I am not happy with the change at Thoreau as there were very few problems anyway.

That doesn't sound like he needs it. It sounds like it's more of a fun way to rely on others for info.

I don't think phones need to be used during school hours. But, my kid has one. I like the policy.

The thing that bugs me is if YOU do not want YOUR kid to have a phone for some reason, then YOU don't give her/him one. Or track data usage during school to see if he/she is disobeying YOUR rules.

I do not know why people laud a policy that takes away other people's choices and autonomy. I, for one, prefer, my kid to have his phone to text his friends or classmates about where to meet, or last minute questions on what needs to be brought to class.

He did that a lot last year. He is not into social media, and he is not allowed to use his phone during lunch per our rules. He wouldn't anyway because he is too social.

But if you are SOOOO worried about a phone being a crutch for YOUR kid, then don't let YOUR kid have one.

I am not happy with the change at Thoreau as there were very few problems anyway.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LOVE THIS NEW POLICY!

"All electronic devices to include, but not limited to, phones, smart watches, airpods, tablets, etc., must be powered off and kept away for the duration of the school day in student-assigned lockers. Electronic devices may be used on campus before the 7:30AM bell and after the 2:15PM bell each school day. The use of social media, taking/posting pictures, playing games, and other technology features are not allowed during the school day. "

Forces kids to interact WITH EACH OTHER rather than their phones all the time.

This is great


Which school?

Thoreau. The principal Mr. Azimi sent an email out today

Is the school at least 1:1?

I can see good uses for iPads during the school day if assigned by the teacher. These various devices can be used for reading, research, timers, calculators...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LOVE THIS NEW POLICY!

"All electronic devices to include, but not limited to, phones, smart watches, airpods, tablets, etc., must be powered off and kept away for the duration of the school day in student-assigned lockers. Electronic devices may be used on campus before the 7:30AM bell and after the 2:15PM bell each school day. The use of social media, taking/posting pictures, playing games, and other technology features are not allowed during the school day. "

Forces kids to interact WITH EACH OTHER rather than their phones all the time.

FCPS guideline for MS is: Storage may be in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc. during the day. This forces the devices to be in lockers. What if there is an emergency? Imagine you hear about some emergency (fire/incident- who knows what) at your kid's MS school and you can't get a hold of your kid or them you to make sure they are ok. I do not think it should be limited to lockers. Thumbs down.

People survived all kinds of things before every kid had a cell phone. My kid has one and I think he uses it as a crutch to self entertain at lunch and during study halls. I'm happy that it will be in his locker instead. And somehow we'll get by without mid-day texting! (it happens).

Agree! The argument that parents must be able to reach their child at every moment of the day, and vice versa, is so odd to me. What are the chances of a “fire/incident” actually happening? Minuscule compared to the very real evidence that phones are a detriment to classroom learning and social development. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/cellphones-classrooms-contribute-failing-grades-study/story?id=56837614

I am saying it should be allowed in other fcps storage definitions - not restricted to the locker. The school is implementing consequences if caught using a device. The rest of it - devices off and out of sight is fine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LOVE THIS NEW POLICY!

"All electronic devices to include, but not limited to, phones, smart watches, airpods, tablets, etc., must be powered off and kept away for the duration of the school day in student-assigned lockers. Electronic devices may be used on campus before the 7:30AM bell and after the 2:15PM bell each school day. The use of social media, taking/posting pictures, playing games, and other technology features are not allowed during the school day. "

Forces kids to interact WITH EACH OTHER rather than their phones all the time.

FCPS guideline for MS is: Storage may be in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc. during the day. This forces the devices to be in lockers. What if there is an emergency? Imagine you hear about some emergency (fire/incident- who knows what) at your kid's MS school and you can't get a hold of your kid or them you to make sure they are ok. I do not think it should be limited to lockers. Thumbs down.

People survived all kinds of things before every kid had a cell phone. My kid has one and I think he uses it as a crutch to self entertain at lunch and during study halls. I'm happy that it will be in his locker instead. And somehow we'll get by without mid-day texting! (it happens).

Agree! The argument that parents must be able to reach their child at every moment of the day, and vice versa, is so odd to me. What are the chances of a “fire/incident” actually happening? Minuscule compared to the very real evidence that phones are a detriment to classroom learning and social development. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/cellphones-classrooms-contribute-failing-grades-study/story?id=56837614

Take up the phone if you have to ask twice for it to be put away. I’ll swing by Friday and pick it up myself. That’s ridiculous. Get a backbone, FCPS.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LOVE THIS NEW POLICY!

"All electronic devices to include, but not limited to, phones, smart watches, airpods, tablets, etc., must be powered off and kept away for the duration of the school day in student-assigned lockers. Electronic devices may be used on campus before the 7:30AM bell and after the 2:15PM bell each school day. The use of social media, taking/posting pictures, playing games, and other technology features are not allowed during the school day. "

Forces kids to interact WITH EACH OTHER rather than their phones all the time.

FCPS guideline for MS is: Storage may be in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc. during the day. This forces the devices to be in lockers. What if there is an emergency? Imagine you hear about some emergency (fire/incident- who knows what) at your kid's MS school and you can't get a hold of your kid or them you to make sure they are ok. I do not think it should be limited to lockers. Thumbs down.

People survived all kinds of things before every kid had a cell phone. My kid has one and I think he uses it as a crutch to self entertain at lunch and during study halls. I'm happy that it will be in his locker instead. And somehow we'll get by without mid-day texting! (it happens).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LOVE THIS NEW POLICY!

"All electronic devices to include, but not limited to, phones, smart watches, airpods, tablets, etc., must be powered off and kept away for the duration of the school day in student-assigned lockers. Electronic devices may be used on campus before the 7:30AM bell and after the 2:15PM bell each school day. The use of social media, taking/posting pictures, playing games, and other technology features are not allowed during the school day. "

Forces kids to interact WITH EACH OTHER rather than their phones all the time.

This is great


Which school?

Thoreau. The principal Mr. Azimi sent an email out today

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this true for all middle schools that kids won't be allowed to use cell phones in hallways, study hall, and lunch? One parent who is very annoyed.

You are annoyed that your child has to concentrate on school at school?

My child uses his phone to take notes and reminders among othwr important things and yes at lunch to play games with friends. Why would the school care if he used it in a hall between classes or at lunch. How does that affect the classes? If anything it hinders them. Like most adults he does better with apps from his phone for organizing than paper.

Seriously, it causes problems.

Policoes are designed for the majority...not the exception.

Public School in a nutshell. Not a positive comment.

Homeschool works well if you want a completely individualized education experience.

Anonymous wrote:LOVE THIS NEW POLICY!

"All electronic devices to include, but not limited to, phones, smart watches, airpods, tablets, etc., must be powered off and kept away for the duration of the school day in student-assigned lockers. Electronic devices may be used on campus before the 7:30AM bell and after the 2:15PM bell each school day. The use of social media, taking/posting pictures, playing games, and other technology features are not allowed during the school day. "

Forces kids to interact WITH EACH OTHER rather than their phones all the time.

This is great


Which school?

Anonymous wrote:LOVE THIS NEW POLICY!

"All electronic devices to include, but not limited to, phones, smart watches, airpods, tablets, etc., must be powered off and kept away for the duration of the school day in student-assigned lockers. Electronic devices may be used on campus before the 7:30AM bell and after the 2:15PM bell each school day. The use of social media, taking/posting pictures, playing games, and other technology features are not allowed during the school day. "

Forces kids to interact WITH EACH OTHER rather than their phones all the time.

Or calling/texting parents demanding an immediate pick up because, “sick.”
Happens more than most think!

Anonymous wrote:LOVE THIS NEW POLICY!

"All electronic devices to include, but not limited to, phones, smart watches, airpods, tablets, etc., must be powered off and kept away for the duration of the school day in student-assigned lockers. Electronic devices may be used on campus before the 7:30AM bell and after the 2:15PM bell each school day. The use of social media, taking/posting pictures, playing games, and other technology features are not allowed during the school day. "

Forces kids to interact WITH EACH OTHER rather than their phones all the time.

FCPS guideline for MS is: Storage may be in a locker, backpack, pencil bag, etc. during the day. This forces the devices to be in lockers. What if there is an emergency? Imagine you hear about some emergency (fire/incident- who knows what) at your kid's MS school and you can't get a hold of your kid or them you to make sure they are ok. I do not think it should be limited to lockers. Thumbs down.

LOVE THIS NEW POLICY!

"All electronic devices to include, but not limited to, phones, smart watches, airpods, tablets, etc., must be powered off and kept away for the duration of the school day in student-assigned lockers. Electronic devices may be used on campus before the 7:30AM bell and after the 2:15PM bell each school day. The use of social media, taking/posting pictures, playing games, and other technology features are not allowed during the school day. "

Forces kids to interact WITH EACH OTHER rather than their phones all the time.