EIPS Launches New Cell Phone Policy

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) Board of Trustees has approved a new policy regarding cellphones. Policy 24, Personal Communication Devices outlines how students and staff use cellphones and personal devices within EIPS schools. The goal: To ensure all students use technology responsibly and develop skills in digital citizenship.

To develop the policy, the Board undertook a comprehensive review of the Division’s existing procedures and practices used to oversee the use of student-owned technology in the classroom. It also conducted extensive public consultations with students, teachers, school administrators and EIPS families. Overall, the feedback was invaluable and provided a clear picture of how to best manage the use of these devices.

Policy highlights:

Students in kindergarten to Grade 6: No access to cellphones or personal devices during the school day, including during breaks and the lunch hour - the only exception, students with a diagnosed medical condition or an identified inclusive-educational need.

The purpose of the policy is to ensure learning takes place in an environment with fewer distractions. When students can focus on what’s taking place in the classroom and can interact directly with the teacher and other students, they’re in a better position to grow and succeed.

Students are strongly encouraged to NOT bring any devices to school. If a student does, the device must stay in his/her backpack.

Students caught using any devices will be told to bring it down to the office and they can pick the device up at the end of the school day.