During this 2021-2022 academic year, a continued focus will be to ensure the very best learning environment for all students. To support this goal, we will continue with the decision to prohibit the use of mobile phones during instructional time.
This decision was not made lightly and we will continue to educate our students about the appropriate uses of technology for educational purposes. The decision to prohibit the use of mobile phones during instructional time was based on the significant amount of research that has been conducted on the topic. This, in turn, helped us better understand the issues surrounding the use of personal devices in the classroom. A recent survey (please see the links provided at the end of this letter) showed that in 2001, the use of mobile phones in school was not banned in any of the surveyed schools. By 2007, a ban had been issued in 50% of surveyed schools. This trend continued and by 2012, some 98% of schools either did not allow mobile phones on school premises or required them to be handed into their first-period teacher at the beginning of the day. Studies found that once schools banned the use of mobile phones, the test scores of students improved by 6.4%. In addition to this, low-achieving and low-income students appeared to gain the most from the ban and that the impact of prohibiting the use of mobile phones during school hours was equivalent to an additional hour a week in school, or to increasing the school year by five days.
You can be assured that your child will continue to have access to technology in order to better support his or her learning as we have ample devices (Chromebooks, laptops, etc) here at École Camille J. Lerouge School.
Our experience at École Camille J. Lerouge School is that mobile phones are highly distracting and are not always being used for educational purposes by our students. The situation is further complicated by a number of students and parents seeing it as their “right” to have constant use of a device despite its disruptive effects on the learning environment. Please note that in the case of any special needs or family emergencies, we have a landline that is answered from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Listed below are the basic principles and expectations regarding the use of mobile phones. Our school website will be updated to reflect this procedure.
- Mobile phones are to be ‘off and away’ in backpacks during all class times. If any phone is seen or heard in class, the student will be asked to take their phone to the office. This will include phones tucked in clothing or in binders. (*Please note that, on occasion, students will be permitted to bring their personal electronic devices to class for educational activities when specifically requested by the teacher.)
- In the first and second instances, students may pick up their phone from the office at the end of the day. Should there be a third occurrence, a call will be made home requiring a parent/guardian to collect the child’s phone.
- Students are still able to use their phones prior to school, during locker breaks, at lunch, and after school. We would appreciate it, should the need arise, that you contact your child during these times. These restrictions are in place at all other times.
We would like to thank you in advance for your support in this matter and we wish you and your family an amazing 2021-2022 academic year.