Written by: Bill Kottenstette and Melinda Bochner
The technology subcommittee of the D’Evelyn Accountability Committee has been meeting approximately monthly to discuss issues regarding the use of technology at D’Evelyn. Although the subcommittee has focused on remote learning much of this year, it has also sought to complete work that began over a year ago related to student cell phone use in school. In returning to this issue, we endeavored to take a meaningful look at concerns expressed by many parents and teachers about the extent to which cell phones and other types of personal electronic devices are progressively and negatively affecting our students’ ability to focus and learn, as well as their socialization. This school year, the subcommittee reviewed the current cell phone policy at D’Evelyn, policies of nearby middle and high schools, and a survey completed by D’Evelyn teachers last school year concerning student cell phone use in school. In examining the survey data and the policies, we concluded that cell phones are a common distraction in the D’Evelyn classroom and a hindrance to student learning. We also recognized that the discretionary nature of the current D’Evelyn policy allows for broad interpretation and differing degrees of enforcement. As the application of the current cell phone policy is non-uniform, students frequently carry and use their cell phones throughout the school day. After thoughtful consideration, the subcommittee recommends that the Steering Committee adopt a more structured and restrictive policy surrounding cell phone use during school hours, to enhance the learning environment in our classrooms and promote the overall wellness of D’Evelyn students. D’Evelyn’s Founding Document emphasizes that “[e]ach student has the right to an education free of disruptions that interfere with learning.” Consistent with this principle -- and recognizing that modern personal devices have a subtle, yet pervasive effect on our attention and work quality -- we believe that a revised and more specific policy will better support the proper functioning of the school and reinforce a deeper learning experience for all students. Specifically, the draft proposes a no cell phone policy during school hours, from 7:35 am to 2:30 pm. If students choose to bring their phones or other devices to school, all devices must be powered off and stored in lockers. At their discretion, teachers may allow students to utilize Chromebooks in the classroom for specific, teacher-directed activities. If there is general support in the community, we believe that an upgraded cell phone policy could be implemented at the start of the 2021-22 school year. With that in mind, we want to hear from you! To learn more about the proposed policy changes, and to share your thoughts and opinions, please join us at the next Accountability Committee meeting on April 13th at 5:30 pm.
Serena Wipper
4/11/2021 08:17:36 pm
Regarding proposed cell phone policy.... unfortunately I have to work during the accountability meeting or I would be online to discuss the new proposed cell phone policy.
Keri scheer
4/20/2021 11:14:28 am
I agree 100%. We are raising and teaching the students at D’Evelyn to be high functioning and performing young people. We will not accomplish that by taking their cell phones away.
Courtney Truesdel
4/26/2021 06:28:01 am
I fear this new policy of taking phones away will do the opposite of what we intend.Students need to learn self- regulation. We are raising these students to be responsible adults and to make good and productive choices. High School is not just about academic development. It is largely about social development and learning to make choices. By taking away phones, we are treating them like children and they will never learn this. Not to mention, should event happen like just took place at RV High School, the only form of communication parents received during the lockdown was from their children. This can become a safety issue. If we hold high expectations of our children and treat them like adults, they will rise to meet these expectations.
Reed Larsen
4/11/2021 08:36:11 pm
I recognize the distracting nature that cell phones can play for any age group, including middle and high school students. I’m very sympathetic to the problems that cell phones cause. That said, think the proposed policy is too strict.
Kimberly O'Neill
4/12/2021 12:59:17 pm
I agree with the previous statements. As a D'Evelyn parent and University professor who teaches freshman students, I agree cell phones are a large distraction, but I also feel that this policy is too restrictive especially for safety reasons. In my classroom, I expect that students keep their phones put away out of sight but accessible if needed. Kids need to learn responsibility and life skills. A policy like this takes away from that.
Jodi Stemler
4/12/2021 09:01:34 pm
I am unable to attend tomorrow night’s Accountability meeting but strongly disagree with the proposed cell phone policy because it is far too strict. As previously stated by other commenters, I recognize the potential of distraction through cell phone use in class. However, I believe that this should be a classroom teacher driven opportunity to teach responsible use with the authority to give appropriate discipline for misuse. Having consistent policies within classrooms is an appropriate next step rather than an immediate jump to a complete ban within the school.
Stacy Gregg
4/13/2021 10:48:28 am
I am unable to attend the meeting. A quick submission per my experience in a previous job. I presented an exchange program opportunity in high schools all over the Denver front range just a few years ago. All but a few schools allowed students full use and control of their cell phones in the classrooms. I witnessed so many kids disengaged from teachers, peers, the subject matter while on their mobile devices at desks during instruction. A few teachers had a wall-mounted shoe holder where they had students place their phone upon entering the classroom. That was a nice option because kids could get to their phones in an emergency situation but weren't allowed to use them at their desks. These students were definitely more present. And one school did not allow phones at all in the classroom ( I did not see them on desks, in a wall holder system, or out at all ever - not sure if hallway and lunch use was allowed). Hands down, the students at this school were the most alert and engaged I saw at any school where I worked. And they engaged with each other, teachers, me, and so on. They were full of energy and excitement and talked my ears off about many things. I was so moved by the difference that I bugged my husband about getting our kids into that school for a while. It was the only environment where I witnessed that high level of fully present, engaged, and excited students.
Ariahn Knoedler
4/20/2021 11:24:19 am
Thank you Stacy. It’s so hard. I think many parents, myself included at times, are under the spell of these extremely addictive, mind-altering , super computers. The dangers we face with them in our hands are far greater than the dangers we face when they’re tucked away.
Allison Sapuppo
4/26/2021 11:44:18 am
I agree with Stacy's comments and recommendation. Having a place for phones to be placed at the beginning and during class keeps the focus on in class instruction. Speaking from my own experience, my son was more focused during remote learning when his phone was not available at his desk. For safety reasons, I prefer my son to have access (not at his desk) to his phone in the classroom in the event there's an emergency situation.
Jennifer Starkovich
5/2/2021 06:33:51 pm
I agree with this policy completely. Cell phones are not needed in the classroom, period. The argument that not having cell phones compromises safety is simply ludicrous. As a matter of fact, www.schoolsecurity.org providers excellent information on why cell phones actually make schools less safe in the event of an emergency. If you feel that your children are not safe at D'Evelyn, perhaps the discussion should be pointed toward school safety not cell phones.
Bobbie Lutz
4/13/2021 07:27:12 pm
Thank you Stacy. I believe that is the complete goal of the stricter cell phone policy, engaging students in the classroom and out of the classroom. Unfortunately, studies show that even if they are hanging on the wall in a shoe holder they are still very distracting to many students just because they are there and cell phones have an addictive nature to them socially and emotionally. Cell phones will not keep our students safe in an emergency, but they could impact the ability of others to do so, if our students are delayed in listening to directions for a safe exit etc. A cell phone has no ability to keep them safe other than to let their parents know they are ok for the moment - hence a false sense of security. Better for them to do what they are taught to do during lock down drills - i don't think cell phone access is a part of those instructions other than to leave them and all of your belongings where they are.
Josh Neugebauer
4/18/2021 06:30:08 pm
This is not a good policy recommendation. Students (like all of us) need to learn when it is and is not acceptable to be on our phones. It is a life skill. A total ban is totally unrealistic in real word situations. Whether we like them or not, cell phones are here to stay, regardless what the founding documents say about them. There are also safety issues (as others have pointed out). I would tell my children to disregard any rule like this so I could contact them whenever necessary.
Doug Stephens
4/19/2021 11:41:54 am
I understand the issues with phones being a distraction in the classroom but as a law enforcement officer for nearly 30 years, and current Chief of Police for the Littleton Police Department, I can certainly attest to the reality of tragedies occurring in our schools. I have personally been involved in multiple active-shooter incidents, including at local area schools, where the ability to quickly access cell phones, and provide vital information to emergency responders, contributed to a more effective response and in some cases saved lives. As someone who will be managing critical incident response when it happens again, and it will...there is NO DOUBT in my mind that cell phones play an integral role in more quickly identifying where injured parties, trapped parties, and/or the suspect(s) may be located. As rescue personnel enter buildings, having real-time intelligence as to where they need to go first (to end the threat and/or to get to injured people) may make all the difference when seconds count. As an instructor for community active shooter preparedness, including in the schools, I know we teach to silence cell phones and stay quiet during the "Hide" portion of Run, Hide, Fight. However, there are times, such as during the Columbine tragedy, when rescuers need to know the locations of injured parties who need immediate help. Access to a cell phone does enhance safety in the school, having it on your person will allow you to provide invaluable information to emergency responders if you are located, or flee to, a "safe" area where you can text or call 911.
Beth Day
4/26/2021 09:50:44 am
Doug,
Darla Dayer
4/19/2021 01:33:33 pm
Most of the above comments really reflect my thoughts. D'E does have a strict policy that works well. Why implement something even more restrictive that may have significant implications? Thank you for asking for our input!
Ariahn Knoedler
4/20/2021 11:14:07 am
Have you all seen The Social Dilemma? These super computers in the palm of our childrens’ hands are far more evolved than the human brain . It’s beyond empowering our kids to make wise decisions, they simply don’t stand a chance. I’m for the most restrictive policy, we owe it to our children to do everything in our power to fight bullying, depression, anxiety, suicide. Even allowing cell phones at lunch cuts down on one opportunity for social interaction, the best antidote to many of these problems. As far as the unlikely event of a school shooter, the sad truth is it also unlikely a cell phone would save a child.
Josh Neugebauer
5/2/2021 07:36:46 pm
Did you read Doug’s comments above? He has real-life experience and expertise in this, not opinions gained from watching Netflix. A total ban is unsafe and totally unrealistic in today’s society. Students (and adults for that matter) need to be taught acceptable use policies. A total ban is not an acceptable real life policy.
Jerry Sullivan
4/20/2021 12:11:30 pm
Agree with all the caveats above regarding restricting students from their smartphones during the school day, and the opposing viewpoint that smartphones can be a distraction when student usage not properly managed by teachers; however, some teachers do effectively manage student phone usage in their classrooms. If the anti-phone policy is approved, then would teachers and staff be required to lead by example and leave their phones in their cars before entering the building? Our student is involved in multiple extracurricular groups at school, Student Council, Band, and the groups all coordinate, often last-minute, by group me chats, etc. Undue restrictions would interfere and adversely impact with that aspect of student life. Additionally, the restriction would interfere with student work opportunities and other aspects of student life outside of school. Our student's work shifts for officiating athletic games, are, by nature, flexible and often opened up during the work week and/or booked last-minute through group chats. Without smart phone access during lunch or between classes, our student would lose money, be considered unreliable, and not be able to complete effectively with peers for money-making opportunities that build the qualities of self-reliance and responsibility expected of adults. The kids' smartphones are set up for academics, and they are used for academics in ways that are superior to Chromebooks. If you believe that clever students will not find ways to do whatever they want through their Chromebooks, then you are in for a big surprise. Isn't it better that students learn to self-manage their use of technology in high school so that they are fully prepared for the university educational environment in which they will not have babysitters? Smartphones have been commonplace in student pockets for over 10 years...why is this an emergent situation that requires harsh action now? The kids have fully adapted to smart phone life...how in the world would you ever enforce this policy? Strip searches? Suspend or expel most of the students? That said, I am open to considering specific, detailed accounts of the problems that the proposed policy is targeted at solving, and the severity of the problems, rather than general and vague claims of distraction. There is ZERO evidence presented in the article above to form a basis for implementing further restrictions. There is ZERO transparency in the process, no published survey or identification of problems related to smartphone usage. There is ZERO discussion of the many positive ways in which students use their smartphones throughout the school day to enhance their education and student life. The article is void of weighting and balance...it's only an opinion: cell phones are a distraction so they must be locked away all day. Why? Over the past 10 years, what impacts have smartphones had on D'Evelyn student SAT scores? Over the past 20 years, what has prevented more students from obtaining admission to their #1 university of choice and the best scholarship awards: smartphone usage at school, or low GPAs due to D'Evelyn's anti-honors weighting policy? Are we not wandering away from what is really important? Teachers should continue to manage smart phone usage as needed within their individual classrooms.
Beth Day
4/26/2021 10:06:23 am
Jerry,
Tana Lane
5/3/2021 05:01:39 pm
Here! Here! Jerry. Thank you for your asking the questions.
Laura Christoffersen
4/21/2021 10:03:46 am
This proposed cell phone policy is too restrictive. Parents need to be able to contact their kids during the day for emergencies and schedule changes. I spoke with Officer Everhart, the schools resource officer, and he said he thought the students should have the cell phones with them, in their backpacks and powered off. I don't think the new policy needs to be an all or nothing proposal. Having a set policy is a good idea so that kids and parents know what the expectation is, however this proposed policy needs more consideration. Cell phones are a part of our lives, that is reality. We need to help the students deal with them in a responsible way. Just banning them is not helping them LEARN to function in today's society.
Tana Lane
5/3/2021 04:51:21 pm
Well said! I concur with you Laura Christoffersen. Set expectations. Teach responsibility. I would add that solid consequences that are upheld by ALL faculty and staff. Letting some classes/students have them while other faculty members take an overly authoritarian approach to the policy is not acceptable either.
Jerry Sullivan
5/3/2021 11:45:09 am
Some facts to consider: D’Evelyn experienced a sex offender teacher during the years 2008-2012. Two D’Evelyn girls covertly used their smart phone cameras to obtain video evidence of the male teacher who was sneaking photos of the girls: up skirts and down shirts. JCSO detectives found hundreds of clandestinely taken photos of students’ cleavage and under-skirt areas on the teacher’s computer. In the expert opinion of the JeffCO prosecutor, were it not for those two brave and clever girls armed with smartphones, that SO would still be at D’Evelyn victimizing girls. With that in mind, it would seem reckless to render students unable to document suspected inappropriate activity, which might include bullying, abuse and sexual assault. Setting aside the problem of school shootings and the need for student communication during crisis, based on the frequency of SOs employed by JeffCO Public Schools (in my area: a former Ute Meadows Elementary principal and a janitor at Dutch Creek Elementary and Ken-Caryl Middle School) and the utility of the smartphone in recording offenses, enacting policy to allow students to keep their smartphones on their person at all times might make more sense. Perhaps the subject of student smart phone usage belongs in a much larger conversation about school security; teaching and curriculum effectiveness and smartphone integration; and student behavior…as opposed to an isolated topic removed from context, and, apparently to some degree, driven by technophobia. A distraction is not a “disruption” (article above), and the D’Evelyn Founding Document is not the Unabomber Manifesto. The Founding Document required students to be proficient in computer word processing, and provided for advanced computer instruction, though it was written in 1993, at a time when many students had access to computers only at school. Clearly, the Founding Document is not anti-technology, and D’Evelyn must reject efforts to convert to an anti-technology school. As a district-operated JeffCO public school, D’Evelyn must embrace the technology of the present, and the future in which our children must live. Links to supporting news reports:
Tana Lane
5/3/2021 05:22:01 pm
One other train of thought that I have not read in the comments that is of concern is not only student but teacher and faculty bullying. While we would all like to think it doesn't happen, it does. And what staff person wouldn't like to keep children from exposing how they are able to publicly humiliate them. I can attest that this sort of teacher "discipline" was all the rage in the age before cell phones. In addition, bullies that think they will not get caught will up their game. Our children may be unfairly judged or punished if it were not for the brave person who records the situation.
Kristy Oatman
5/4/2021 12:37:53 pm
Jerry, very well stated. Thank you for you evidence based response. We need to give our students tools, and prepare them for their next phase in life. I believe we need to give our students choices, not take them away. This is a very heated topic, and one that might require student input as well. Comments are closed.
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