Salem City Schools recently revised its policies for high school students, joining a growing number of school districts across the state taking steps toward cellphone-free instruction.
In a letter sent to parents Wednesday evening, Salem Superintendent Curtis Hicks outlined the department’s revised procedures for handling student cell phone use. The city’s school board discussed the matter at its work meeting Tuesday. The procedures are not school board policies.
Salem City Schools Superintendent Curtis Hicks sent a letter Wednesday evening outlining the department’s cell phone procedures for the upcoming school year.
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The division’s elementary and middle schools have an “out and away” policy in place for the entire school day. This means students are allowed to bring their phones to school, but they must be turned off and put away for the entire school day — either in cubbies for elementary students or in lockers for middle school students. The policy states it applies to “all communication devices, including cell phones, smart watches and smart glasses.”
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“While we encourage students to leave these devices at home, we understand that they may be necessary to enable communication with family members at the end of the school day,” Hicks’ letter said.
Salem High School has an “off and away” policy during class. This means that students are allowed to use their cell phones before and after school, between classes, and during lunch. However, upon entering the classroom, students must turn off their cell phones and place them in a cell phone caddy until the end of class.
Last year, high school students were required to turn off their devices from “bell to bell” or during class time. The new procedure adds that the devices must also be stowed in the caddy during class time.
Students who use their mobile phones or other personal devices to monitor their health will be allowed to keep those devices if they provide a doctor’s note, the letter said.
The procedure ensures that “every student experiences a cellphone-free classroom experience pursuant to Executive Order 33,” which Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued on July 9. This week, Roanoke County Public Schools and Roanoke City Public Schools adopted policies for high school students that similarly restrict cellphone use during class.
“We appreciate your continued cooperation and support in creating a focused and safe learning environment for all students,” Hicks’ letter said.
