July 2023 OSHS Newsletter
We hope this message finds you well and you and your family are enjoying all summer has to offer. July was a busy month, with summer enrichment classes ending last week. Our custodial crew continues to prepare classrooms, and the gym is in the process of receiving a fresh coat of paint.
As we move closer to the start of school, we wanted to share a change in how we handle student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices in the classroom. As you know, personal devices can create a distraction to teaching and learning. After holding conversations with students, parents and our faculty and staff, we decided that it is in the best interest of students and educators that OSHS adopt a universal approach to the use of personal electronic devices in the classroom to improve the school environment for learning.
We plan to further communicate this practice with students during class meetings at the beginning of the year and through conversations in advisory. Below is an outline of the practice:
Cell phones and other personal electronic devices
1. Students will use their cell phones appropriately
Students who use their cell phones inappropriately will be subject to disciplinary consequences and potential legal charges. Examples of inappropriate cell phone use include, but are not limited to: sending threats, cheating and/or plagiarism, taking inappropriate or unwanted photographs, copyright violations, etc...
2. Cell phone use is not permitted in the classroom setting
Students will be permitted to use their cell phones during passing time and lunch. Academics should remain the focus during FLEX and Study Halls. When students attend class, personal devices should not be accessed from the beginning-of-the-class-period bell to the end-of-the-class-period bell. In general, a cell phone should never be out during class time.
Classroom Expectations:
o If students choose to carry their cell phones with them during the school day, they must be placed in a designated storage area as they enter the classroom.
o Each classroom is equipped with a caddy to store phones and is installed in a location that provides for limited access. Each phone will have its own space. Devices will be visible to both the teacher and students at all times.
o Students will store and retrieve devices on their own and at no point will a teacher or staff member store, retrieve, access, or otherwise handle student devices.
o Students will silence devices before they are stored.
o In the event of a building evacuation, students should leave their personal device in the designated storage area rather than take time to retrieve it before evacuating.
Students who are dishonest about their cell phones and/or refuse to comply with our expectations will be considered non-compliant. The following are guidelines for disciplinary consequences:
· First non-compliance = Warning (direct students to classroom phone storage).
· Second non-compliance = Student’s device is given to administration and the student picks it up at the end of the day.
· Third non-compliance = Student’s device is given to administration and the student picks it up at the end of the day, office detention is assigned.
· Subsequent non-compliance = Student turns in device to administration and parent picks it up. Continued non-compliance could result in a student dropping their cell phone off to administration at the start of school and picking it up at the end of the school day.
Cell phones are NOT an approved alternative to a Chromebook. This applies to students who elect not to receive a Chromebook, students who fail to bring their Chromebook to school, or for students who do not have their Chromebook charged. Teachers may use their discretion in enforcing this practice.
EarPods and Earbuds are NOT to be used or left in one’s ear during class time. Some exceptions, including a teacher-approved activity, could apply.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Save the Date: August 23, 2023, 5-6:00PM, OSHS
Administrator Meet and Greet with Joe and Dave
Look for our next communication in a couple of weeks.
Joe Anastasio Dave Plotkin
Principal Associate Principal