Leland Public School -

Dear Parents, 

By now you are probably aware that LPS staff, administration, and parents have been researching the use of cell phones in school and whether to change the middle school cell policy here at Leland. After a lengthy information and data gathering period and much conversation, we have decided to tighten the policy for 6-8th graders. 

In middle school, students are currently allowed to have their cell phones turned off during class in their backpacks or pockets. They are also allowed to use their phones during passing, breakfast break, and lunch. Starting Monday, January 29th this will change. I met with the middle school students today during advisory to present a revised policy to students and answer questions. I’ve attached the slide presentation I talked through today with the middle school students, and this is the recording of my meeting with students for you to review with them and talk through at home if you’d like. 

Please review the chart below for the updated policy. 

Current Policy

Revised Policy

No phones during class time. Phone in pocket, backpack, or locker Phones allowed during passing, advisory, breakfast break, and lunch Two warnings before phone sent to office

All phones, smartwatches, & ear buds to be kept powered off and placed in classroom caddy or in lockers. Phones, smartwatches, ear buds in your possession or in your backpack during class or in the cafe, will be taken and sent to the office. Phones allowed during passing only First time phone, smartwatch, or ear buds are seen, student turns them over to staff and they will be sent to the office for parent pick-up Parent communication in emergency through the main office; otherwise students can check for messages during passing

We are also expecting that ipads stay in lockers during breakfast break and lunch. Ipads are a tool we provide for students to use for learning. Games, social media, and other non-instructional uses of the ipad are inappropriate, and, therefore, should not be part of students’ ipad use. 

It is our hope that parents will join us in this effort and that we can all be together in our messaging to create a smooth transition for students. I’m sure there will be a short adjustment period, and as difficult as this might be for some, our kids are incredibly flexible and will adapt quickly with both parent and school support and consistent messages. Further, once students realize that no one has their phone (smartwatch or ear buds), it will be easier for them to disconnect and focus in class.  

A group of us visited TC Central High School to observe their procedures, and it was seamless. Students were completely on board and what few issues that were encountered in the beginning were quickly resolved with a firm and consistent approach. We were extremely impressed with their process, so we will replicate it here. Teachers and parents were also on board, which required the adults to model the behavior by not using their phones during class and not texting students. If you need to contact your child with an emergency, please call the main office and we will notify your student. We will, of course, make exceptions for students with medical needs (diabetes monitor on their phone for example). 

Thank you for all of your input, research, patience, and support. Together, we can help our kids disconnect from their phones, build stamina in their thinking without distraction, develop healthy communication skills, and help them take ownership of their time and learning. Please let us know if you have questions. 

With gratitude, 

Stephanie and Kile

Superintendent and Principal