The Campbell-Tintah School Board has been diligently working to establish a positive direction for student cell phone usage within the school. While many students exhibit proper etiquette with their cell phones, it is evident that cell phones can be a source of distraction and may impact academic success. As a result, the board has engaged in numerous discussions regarding the management of cell phone use at the high school level (grades 7-12) and has made the decision to implement the following electronic device practices to better support our students.

Beginning this academic year, students will be prohibited from accessing their phones during class periods 1-8. Phones must be turned off or silenced and stored in a locked phone caddy during class time. Also, other electronic devices like smart watches will not be allowed during instructional time within our classrooms.

These new guidelines will be thoroughly explained to students during class meetings on the first day(s) of school. Students will continue to have access to technology for their classes by utilizing school computers as needed. Accommodation will be provided for students who require the use of a cell phone for medical purposes, such as managing diabetes. Students will be allowed to use their cell phone during passing time and during lunch.

The rationale behind these changes is to establish, uphold, and foster a classroom environment that is conducive to learning, increase student engagement, eliminate distractions during class, enhance student achievement, and enable students to concentrate and focus during instructional time. Additionally, these measures aim to reduce instances of bullying, harassment, unauthorized photography, videotaping, and social media postings.

Outlined below are the expectations that students must adhere to under the new cell phone guidelines:

Phones must be turned off or silenced and stored in a locked phone caddy during class.

Only items necessary for the course are permitted in the classroom.

Cell phones may be used during passing periods, lunch, and in courses where the teacher explicitly allows or requests the use of phones for coursework.

Cell phones are not permitted during Homeroom; this period is to be treated like any other class.

Cell phones are not allowed in locker-rooms or restrooms.

Students are prohibited from taking unsolicited pictures of other students without their consent at any time.

First Offense: In the event of a first offense, the teacher will confiscate the phone and return it at the end of the class period. The teacher will then communicate with the parents regarding the incident and discuss expectations with the student.

Second Offense: If a second offense occurs, the teacher will confiscate the phone and hand it over to the administration. The administration will meet with the student and inform the parents about potential future violations. The device will be returned at the end of the school day.

Subsequent Offenses: In the case of any further offenses, the teacher will confiscate the phone and pass it on to the administration. A parent will then be required to retrieve the device from the school office, and a meeting between the student, parent, and principal will be scheduled to address the behavior and establish a plan for the student’s future conduct. This may involve leaving the phone at home or surrendering it to the office at the beginning of the school day and collecting it at the end. Students found with a phone at this stage may face consequences and further loss of privileges.

Our primary objective as an instructional staff is to cultivate a learning environment conducive to student success. Therefore, phones are not permitted in the classroom unless explicitly authorized by the teacher or supervisor.

If you need to contact your child in case of an emergency during the school day, please call the office at 218-630-5311. Phones left in the office will be securely stored until retrieval.