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Angelica Ramos
Contributing Writer
MONTGOMERY CO- The Montgomery County School Board discussed the proposed division-wide cell phone use policy June 4, 2024 and will return to vote on the policy at the June 18, 2024 meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Bernard F. Bragen, Jr. presented the Montgomery County Public Schools Cell Phone Use Policy to the school board for a first read. The cell phone use policy was tested this past year at Christiansburg Middle School. Bragen said students, parents and staff from Christiansburg Middle School provided a lot of positive feedback regarding the implementation of the cell phone use policy even if there was an adjustment period, which he said is expected in all MCPS schools if approved on Jun 18, 2024.
“This policy establishes comprehensive guidelines for the appropriate use of cell phones,” the policy reads, “and other connected devices (e.g., earbuds, smart watches, etc.) by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students. It ensures a conducive learning environment while acknowledging the need for exceptions based on medical reasons and legal compliance. For the purpose of this document, the term cell phone will encompass all connected devices.”
The policy would apply to all MCPS schools, all grades and all enrolled students. The policy seeks to prohibit the use of cellphones and connected devices during the school day and at school-sponsored activities like assemblies, field trips, etc. After school sports games do not fall under the use of cell phones policy as they are held after the school day has ended. Students may have their devices physically in school but they must be turned off and stored away unless they have specific instructions given by staff to have them out or have a disability where expressed communication with staff and administration has been approved. Students may also use their devices in case of an emergency.
“Students who require access to a cell phone for medical reasons,” the policy currently reads, “must provide documentation from a licensed medical professional outlining the necessity of immediate access to a cell phone. Upon approval by the school administration, students with documented medical needs may be granted permission to possess and use cell phones as necessary for their medical condition. Accommodations shall be made to ensure the student’s access to necessary technology without compromising the educational environment. The school administration will work with the student, parents/guardians, and medical professionals to establish appropriate guidelines for cell phone use in these cases.”
In the meeting’s discussion, board member Dr. Edward J.K. Gitre expressed concerns about the current wording of the medical exemptions policy as not all disabilities use devices like cell phones for medical reasons.
“I’d recommend not just referring to it as a medical exception,” Dr. Gitre said, “because there are a lot of students with disabilities, and I’d like broader language and to see that acknowledge that mobile devices are used for lots of purposes that are not just medical that are still necessary and still part of accommodations. So, I’d like to see the language of accommodations rather than just medical use, but otherwise I think this is a step in the right direction.”
Many board members agreed with the sentiment of some of the current language needing expansion or adjustment, but board members expressed the position that it will greatly improve student learning as it helps diminish distractions during the school day. With a few adjustments, the policy will be voted on at the board meeting June 18, 2024.