Adair County Middle School Principal Keri Willis recently announced changes to the middle school’s cell phone use policy.
In a letter to parents and guardians of students at ACMS, Willis said, “In an ongoing effort to improve the educational experience for your student, we are adding limitations on the use of cell hones and electronic devices during the school day.”
Willis said the SBDM council and administrative staff carefully considered research regarding the negative effects of cell phone usage at school and have decided that students will no longer be able to use cell phones during school hours.
The letter went on to say that cell phone usage during school hours is linked to a decrease in students’ ability to focus and excel in an academic environment. Negative effects can extend outside of the classroom.
According to research, “various mental health concerns” as well as social and emotional issues arise due to excessive cell phone usage.
Willis asks for parental help in enforcing this new policy. One way is to find alternate methods of communicating with children during the school day if a parent must get in touch.
“We believe that, with your support, the culture at ACMS will drastically improve, fostering a better learning environment and limiting negative social and emotional consequences,” Willis’s letter stated.
The cell phone ban is a zero tolerance policy that also covers smart watches, air pods, and other technology which can distract students in an educational environment.
Cell phones will be expected to be checked in during students’ homeroom and teachers will have a designated lock box to store phones until the end of the school day. If students must call home, they will use the phone in a classroom or office with teacher or administrator permission.
If a student is caught with a phone, it will be confiscated until the parent can retrieve it. One day in ISS is earned on the second offense, two days ISS on the third offense, and the fourth offense comes with a possible suspension or alternative school placement. Recording other students or staff at school automatically comes with two days ISS.
For any questions, Willis says to contact the school at 270-384-5308.
