Oakcrest to Lift Ban on Cell Phones, iPads as Part of Pilot Program

A ban on the use of cell phones, iPads and other electronic devices during the school day will temporarily be lifted at one of the three high schools located within Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District.

The pilot program, which was presented to the Board of Education in December, will run from April 1 until the end of the school year at Oakcrest High School, and will allow students to use their cell phones during lunch and study hall, for example. 

But the pilot isn't without rules. During the board's Dec. 19 meeting, Oakcrest High School seniors Lucy Chavez and Mary Furgione said the devices would have to be kept on silent mode and students would not be permitted to take pictures or record anything with their phones.

"Student Council feels it's important to lift the ban," said Furgione.

She and Chavez  had explained that it's important for students to be able to work with today's technology, whether it be laptops, smartphones or the latest iPads—all of which they would be expected to use in their day-to-day routines. Yet, they are not being taught in school.

"These are tools of the 21st century, (but) they're not (permitted for) use at Oakcrest," Chavez said.

"I think we are missing an opportunity by not utilizing these devices," Student Council adviser Joe Costal told the board. 

These are not the only concerns.

"I can see (lifting the ban) as a benefit and a problem at the same time," board member Robert Ross said during Monday night's meeting.

Ross indicated that he doesn't have a problem with the program being implemented per se, but wanted to know how it was going to be implemented.

"I really need to know what's going to be tolerated," Ross said. "How much is going to be tolerated? What would we consider abuse?"

Both Superintendent of Schools Steven Ciccaiello and Oakcrest principal Anthony Mongelluzzo indicated that there would be criteria set in place and, if the board so chooses, they would provide updates on the program as it proceeds.

In other business, staff within Absegami's music department has asked the district to consider allowing additional course selections within the district curriculum, including but not limited to music theory, orchestra and concert band and band technology.

"You don't have to play an instrument to be successful in music," music teacher Jim Glenn said.

He explained that although some people might have an ear for music but not necessarily the ability to play, they can still benefit and succeed from music courses the school district could offer.

He and fellow teacher Ben Fong aren't asking for these courses to be implemented right away but were providing the information for the board to consider, Glenn said.

The board will also be asked to consider reinstating summer school at a future board meeting.

"We haven't had summer school for many years," Ciccarello said as he provided his superintendent's report Monday night.

He said the board will see on an upcoming agenda a resolution approving the adult education classes.