Richmond Public Schools unveiling new details on phone use policy
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- After months of discussion, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is unveiling new details on the cell phone policy at the Richmond City Public School Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 2. The school system is going with a tiered approach, meaning students will get warnings, but disciplinary action increases each time they do. The first time a student is caught on their phone, a verbal warning will be given and the incident will be documented by the school. The second will be a written warning and a call home. By the third time, there is a chance of in-school or out-of-school suspension. And severe violations, such as using a phone to bully or engage in illegal activities, could call for immediate confiscation, suspension and law-enforcement involvement. RPS said these are the main reasons for the policy update: ● Enhance student learning by minimizing classroom distractions in RPS Schools.● Promote student engagement and face-to-face interaction within the educational environment.● Improve student well-being by reducing technology dependence and potential for cyberbullying.● Ensure compliance with Executive Order 33 and VDOE guidelines for cell-free learning environments. The school board voted unanimously to adopt this cell phone policy back on Nov. 11. It hopes all schools will fully follow this new policy after winter break. This is a bell-to-bell policy, so from the first bell of the day to the last, phones must be out of sight. There are exceptions for medical or educational purposes with proper approval. The school board will be going over the entire outline at their meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. at Richmond City Hall, located at 900 E Broad Street. More details can be found here.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- After months of discussion, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is unveiling new details on the cell phone policy at the Richmond City Public School Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 2.
The school system is going with a tiered approach, meaning students will get warnings, but disciplinary action increases each time they do.
The first time a student is caught on their phone, a verbal warning will be given and the incident will be documented by the school. The second will be a written warning and a call home.
By the third time, there is a chance of in-school or out-of-school suspension. And severe violations, such as using a phone to bully or engage in illegal activities, could call for immediate confiscation, suspension and law-enforcement involvement.
RPS said these are the main reasons for the policy update:
● Enhance student learning by minimizing classroom distractions in RPS Schools.
● Promote student engagement and face-to-face interaction within the educational environment.
● Improve student well-being by reducing technology dependence and potential for cyberbullying.
● Ensure compliance with Executive Order 33 and VDOE guidelines for cell-free learning environments.
The school board voted unanimously to adopt this cell phone policy back on Nov. 11. It hopes all schools will fully follow this new policy after winter break. This is a bell-to-bell policy, so from the first bell of the day to the last, phones must be out of sight.
There are exceptions for medical or educational purposes with proper approval.
The school board will be going over the entire outline at their meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. at Richmond City Hall, located at 900 E Broad Street.
More details can be found here.
