The Moorestown Board of Education proposed revisions to a policy aimed at addressing student use of cell phones and other smart devices in school buildings. If the policy is adopted at the board’s June meeting, the policy would be implemented this fall.
The board voted to approve the policy on first reading, with a second and final vote expected next month.
“As you know, we’ve been talking about this for a year,” said board member Claudine Morano. “The biggest change here is that it’s going to give teachers the comfort level to be able to enforce a very consistent policy, especially in the high school.”
The measure would require elementary- and middle-school students to abide by an “away for the day” policy, with all phones off during school hours and securely stored in a backpack, cubby or locker. If a student needs to communicate with a parent or guardian, he or she can use a school phone, personal electronic communication or a smart device, with the permission of a school administrator or staff. Smart watches may be worn, but only with notifications turned off and used solely for timekeeping.
High-school students would be allowed to use their phones between classes and at lunch, but would have to turn off or silence their phones during class and keep them in a backpack, locker or a teacher-designated collection area in the classroom. Smart watches remain permitted under the same restrictions as students in K-8.
“It’s a battle that, quite frankly as educators, we cannot do,” explained Moorestown High School teacher Lisa Trapani, “so it has to require – and I would even say to any parents – more support for parents saying, ‘You do not need the phone. I do not need to contact you.’”
Exceptions to the phone policy include students with individualized education or health plans, such as IEPs or IHPs, who have permission and documentation to use phones in the case of a health condition or disability; authorized instructional use; or use by volunteers for emergency services.
The policy also maintains statutorily mandated language that prohibits the recording of staff and students, or inappropriate recording of instructional materials. Teachers can allow students to use phones or smart devices for legitimate instructional purposes, such as recording lessons.
“I would respectfully request the board to strengthen the current high-school cellphone policy,” township parent Jamie Kastner noted. “While I appreciate the intention behind the policy, to provide boundaries while still giving students some access to their devices, I believe we’re not going far enough to truly support their academic success and well-being.”
“I urge you to consider whether we’re setting our students up for success,” Kastner observed, “or simply just putting temptations in their pocket or in a designated area in the classroom. The mere presence of a smartphone – even when not in use – can negatively affect focus, learning and memory …
“Let’s give our students the best chance to succeed by removing a powerful and proven distraction from their learning environment.”
The proposed policy states in part: “Navigating the role of these devices in educational settings is multi-faceted, involving a delicate balance between leveraging technological benefits and maintaining a focused, secure and inclusive learning environment.”
“As we take a look at it, we’ll have to get student voices, get feedback from the staff on how the enforcement is going and make sure that we really stay on top of it,” maintained school Superintendent Courtney McNeely, “especially in the first year of implementation.”
The board invites parents, students and staff to review the proposed cell phone policy and provide feedback to cmcneely@mtps.com or cmorano@mtps.com prior to June 17.
To view the proposed policy in its entirety, visit www.mtps.com and click on meeting documents under the board tab.
