New Cell Phone Policy Possibly Coming to South Next Year

A committee of administrators, teachers, librarian, and students at Plymouth South will draft a new policy for the 2012-2013 school year. The current cell phone policy which is in the School District Handbook cannot be enforced as "it would take all Administrators' time to deal with referrals" said in minutes. This policy creates major discipline issues and some teachers don't want to deal with the anger/intimidation that comes when confronting students about cell phones.

The current policy is as stated:

Students are responsible for the care of all personal property.

The use of any personal electronic device is not permitted during school hours. Electronic devices may include, but are not limited to, CD or MP3 players, camera, iPods, cell phones (including photos/videos and all other applications), or video games. Any disturbance (including distribution of media) caused by these devices could result in disiplinary action. School officials are not responsible for loss or damage of such equipment. Due to safety concerns, laser pens are not permitted on buses or in school at any time and will result in confiscation and may result in further disciplinary action. Devices will only be returned to parent/guardian.

Any teacher or coach may authorize an exception to the above if the electronic device is to be used for educational purposes or during a bus ride to or from an event or field trip. The electronic device may be used only under the direct supervision of the teacher or coach who authorizes its use.

The school does not have insurance that would cover theft or loss of personal property. This statement is inclusive of personal materials brought to school, on school grounds, on the school bus, or on school related activities (e.g., field trips)

The task of this cell phone committee is to create an enforceable device policy. One teacher, Julie Osberg, called cellphones a, "Non problem in freshman classroom, more an issue in sophomore advisory."

Vocal Teacher Brandon Coon said that "a drama of relationships goes full circle during the day through text messages."

Studies show that teens send and recieve 2,300 text messages per month and 35% admit to cheating with cell phone on tests.

A staff survey will be sent to staff members and a different survey geared towards students will be sent to students.

Robert North, Freshman History Teacher and AJ Butters, Housemaster, chair the committee.

Students Tim Cosseboom, Maxx Luddy and Ryan McLaughlin are student representatives.

Brandon Coon, Amy Stevenson, Susan Martin, Alison Harblias, Karen Baker, Julie Osberg, Christina Weston, Jim Murphy, Nancy Infacelli and Nancy Dawson are teacher representatives.