Please do not call students on their personal cell phones during school hours. Cell phones are a significant distraction and there are school consequences for students who disregard our cell phone policy. Contact our office at 515-967-5509 and we will be happy to get messages to students.
Cell phones and electronic entertainment devices are definitely a "sign of our times." Our expectation is that we not let the focus be on our reaction to the issue, but on understanding the difference between having a cell phone in school for before/after school emergency communication with parents, and allowing cell phones to become a distraction or disruption to the learning environment. The following is an excerpt from our student and parent handbook:
Interferences in School (p7)
"Radios, pagers, cassette players, walkman-type headphones, cell phones, lasers or video games should not be brought to school. If these items are disruptive to the learning environment, they will be confiscated and kept in the office and returned to parents at a later date. Cell phones brought to school for emergency use before and after school must be turned off and stored in the assigned student assigned locker."
In practice this means a cell phone or other electronic device may be confiscated and held by a staff member or in the office. Students should report to the office after school and usually they are returned at the end of the day. A continued pattern of cell phone disruption by a student will lead to more significant action.
We appreciate the support and partnership we enjoy with our parent community. We recognize our common goal is to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment that focuses on student learning. If you have additional questions regarding student expectations at Southeast Polk Junior High please contact an administrator at 515-967-5509.