Middleburgh Central School District > 2024-2025 Cell Phone School-Based Policy

2024-2025 Cell Phone School-Based Policy

A message from Principal Matthew Sloane:

The modern cell phone is, without a doubt, the greatest single distraction plaguing public education today. Even when students do not utilize their cell phones, they are subject to constant interruptions from other students and family members. Teachers repeatedly have to stop instruction to reprimand students for cell phone use in classrooms, and students constantly feel the pressure to check social media accounts. 

Students have become so accustomed to staring at screens since March of 2020 that it is almost impossible to engage students in meaningful instruction. In addition, parents feel the need to be in constant contact with their children. This has hindered the development of independent socialization, conflict resolution and student voice. The overwhelming majority of bullying issues are through social media.

In response to the negative impact cell phones have, MCS has developed a board-approved policy on cell phone use for students. The policy is listed below. A printer-friendly version is available here.

Thank you to our parents, guardians and students for following these policies to improve our learning spaces for all students.

Matthew Sloane
Principal MCS Jr./Sr. High

Policy 

    1. Students are not permitted to use cell phones or any personal device attached to their cell phone, including earbuds or digital watches, except during their assigned lunch period. These restrictions apply to the entire instructional day (8:08 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.) and to all locations (hallways, study halls, and bathrooms).
    2. Students should secure cell phones in their backpacks or lockers or store phones in the main office. They should be out of sight throughout the day. 
    3. Students will be permitted to use their cell phones during their lunch periods:
      1. Grades 7 and 8: 11:15-11:45 a.m.
      2. Grades 9 and 10: 12:45-1:15 p.m.
      3. Grads 11 and 12: 12-12:30 p.m.
    4. We ask that parents refrain from contacting students via their cell phones except during lunch periods. Parents are always welcome to contact the school if there is an emergency or with questions. The main school number is 518-827-3600. 
    5. Students may also use any school phone to contact their parents during the school day. 
    6. Students who use their devices (even within the lunch period) to video or photograph fights, encourage misbehaviors or create negative posts during school will be subject to disciplinary actions according to the MCS Code of Conduct. 

    Consequences for Violations

    First Offense: 

    • The phone will be confiscated by an adult and must be picked up by a parent or guardian from the MCS High School Office at the end of the school day. 
    • Student serves after-school detention from 2:45-4:45 p.m. Additionally, student may not attend clubs, sports, dances or any extracurriculars that day. 
    • If the phone isn’t immediately given to the adult, the student must serve in-school suspension on that day.
    • Student will lose cell phone privileges during lunch for two weeks.

    Second Offense 

    • The phone will be confiscated by an adult and must be picked up by a parent or guardian from the MCS High School Office at the end of the school day. 
    • Student must serve in-school suspension on that day.
    • Student serves after-school detention from 2:45-4:45 p.m. Additionally, student may not attend clubs, sports, dances or any extracurriculars that day. 
    • If the phone isn’t immediately given to the adult, the phone will be confiscated by the administrative team and the student must serve out-of-school suspension and cannot attend clubs, sports, dances or extracurriculars while suspended.
    • Student will lose cell phone privileges during lunch for three weeks.

    Third Offense 

    • The phone will be confiscated by an adult and must be picked up by a parent or guardian from the MCS High School Office at the end of the school day. 
    • Student must serve three days of in-school suspension.
    • Student may not attend clubs, sports, dances or any extracurriculars for two weeks. 
    • If the phone isn’t immediately given to the adult, the phone will be confiscated by the administrative team and the student must serve out-of-school suspension and cannot attend clubs, sports, dances or extracurriculars while suspended.
    • For the remainder of the year, the student will be required to leave their cell phone in the main office.