Please review the letter below from the Nye County School District Board of Trustees. They are seeking your feedback on a new policy and regulation governing the use of cell phones and electronics during the school day.
Dear Nye County School District Parents, Guardians, Students, and Employees,
The Nye County School District Board of Trustees is dedicated to providing a quality education for all students. To that end, and in line with the district’s strategic plan, we strive to create and maintain a positive and productive learning environment where all students feel safe and supported. We believe that a critical step in achieving this goal is to limit distractions and encourage our students to engage more fully with their studies and with one another.
Therefore, we are considering implementing a policy that restricts all personal electronic use by students on any campus during school hours. We understand that this may be a significant change for some of our families, but we believe that it is a necessary step to improve student learning, reduce instances of inappropriate use of technology and cyberbullying, and increase social interaction among students.
Why Are We Considering This?
Research has shown that cell phones can be a major distraction for students. A study in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin found that students who were allowed to use their cell phones during class performed worse on tests than students who were not allowed to use their phones. In addition, cell phones can be a tool for bullying. A poll of National Education Association members combined with statistics about cyberbullying allow us to conclude that cyberbullying frequently begins at school. Finally, cell phones can prevent students from interacting with each other in person. A study by the Journal of Adolescence found that teens who spend more time on their phones are more likely to feel lonely and isolated. Links to a sample of the research can be found HERE.
What Might Procedures Look Like?
If parents feel it necessary for their student to bring their cellphones to school, they can keep them in their backpacks turned off during the school day. Students found using a phone during the instructional day would be subject to the progressive discipline plan.
Parents needing to reach students during the instructional day would need to call the school office to relay the message.
We are requesting your thoughts. Please let us know what you think by filling out the survey HERE.
Parents, guardians, students and employees are also welcome to voice their thoughts during the public comment item of our school board meeting on December 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM at the district office in Pahrump and via video conference in the library of Tonopah High School. (More information HERE.)
Sincerely,
The Trustees of the Nye County School District