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Dear Parents:
I am pleased to inform you that the first week of the 2024-2025 school year has been a success. The energy and enthusiasm of both students and staff have set a positive tone for the year ahead.
However, as anticipated, there has been some confusion regarding the use of cell phones on campus and on school transportation. To ensure a safe and focused learning environment, we would like to kindly remind everyone of the key points of this policy:
1. Prohibition of Use: students are not allowed to use cell phones, smartwatches, or any other device with access to social media during the entire school day, which runs from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This restriction also applies to recess, extracurricular activities, and any other event organized by the school.
2. Procedure for Non-Compliance: if a student is caught using a prohibited device, they will be asked to turn it off and hand it over to the teacher or administrator in charge. The device will be sent to the office of the relevant academic section, where a record of the handover will be made, and parents will be notified of the confiscation and the date when the device can be retrieved.
3. Consequences:
- First infraction: device held for 8 calendar days.
- Second infraction: device held for 30 calendar days.
- Third infraction: device held for 90 calendar days.
4. Use on School Buses: middle and high school students may use their cell phones during school bus rides only to listen to music with headphones, provided that the devices remain stored in their bags. Any violation of this rule will be reported to the section principal.
5. Emergency Situations: in case of an emergency, students will have access to the phone in their academic section's office.
Policy Changes and Student Adaptation:
Our policy changes are carefully designed and implemented to better serve our student population while supporting and upholding best pedagogical practices and school needs. We understand that students may initially resist these changes, as adapting to new routines can be challenging.
To support our students during this transition, the school will provide guidance and assistance to help them adjust. However, please note that complaints alone will not lead to a reversal of the newly implemented policies. We encourage all students to embrace the changes and trust that they are in place for their benefit and the overall improvement of our school community.
This policy is consistent with the guidelines agreed upon by the seven schools that are part of the Association of Bilingual Schools of Cali (ASOBILCA) in order to limit the use of electronic devices in educational settings.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring this policy is followed and in helping us maintain a respectful and productive environment within our school community. Please discuss this policy with your children to ensure a complete understanding of it. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Joseph Nagy, Ed. D.
Director
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