With the new Ada school year underway, one of the changes from previoius years affects student use of cell phones.

Dan Lee, middle and high school principal, explains the new policy as part of his back-to-school message posted on the school website. Click here to read the entire message.

Here's the new cell phone policy
Based on multiple sources of information and research, both the middle and high school is taking steps to help students disconnect and engage in class. 

Like the elementary, middle school students (grades 6-8) will not be allowed to access their cell phones during the school day.

We understand the importance for parents to be able to contact their students regarding their arrival to school and for after school activities. To that end, students may bring their devices and keep them in their lockers during the day.

We will also work to educate our middle school students through our advisory program on digital citizenship and safety.

At the beginning of the second semester, 8th grade students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge gained in these areas. 

If the student passes this assessment, he or she will be able to increase their cell phone privileges to a high school level for the remainder of the eight grade.

For high school, each classroom will have a pocket chart hanging on the wall.  Each student will be required to place their cell phone in a pocket at the beginning of the period. 

Students will retrieve their device before leaving the room. Since we have a chromebook cart in every classroom, this change will remove the constant temptation for students and enable them to focus on academic engagement without impacting appropriate technology integration.   

I believe all of these additions and changes will help us continue to “aspire to excel in all areas of the school experience.”