Rock Bridge High School announces new cell phone policy for the school year
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Rock Bridge High School in Columbia is preparing to start the 24-25 school year by sending out its cell phone policy.
In an email to Rock Bridge families on Aug. 9, Rock Bridge Principal, Jacob Sirna, announced Rock Bridge High School's new cell phone policy.
According to the email, DCPS's goal for the policy is to remove and avoid any unnecessary distractions to Rock Bridge High School's learning environment.
The policy prohibits cell phone usage during class and implements a new cell phone infraction referral system.
Students can still use their cell phones between classes, during lunch, and during their free period.
If done work early, the school recommends students read a book or review the material for other subjects.
Cell phone infractions are handled on a five-stage referral basis.
If a student is caught using their cell phone, they will receive a warning and get a call home. If the student continues to use their cell phone, they will be sent to the office and warned that they will have their phone taken away.
If the student continues to break the rule, the referral system increases in stages. With the cell phone being taken for an entire day, having the student's guardian pick up the phone when confiscated and having the student turn in the phone at the start of the school day for multiple days.
Smart Watches are allowed but only to tell the time, if a student is seen using the watch as a cell phone, it is considered an infraction.
If a parent or guardian needs to contact their child, the school says people can leave a message that students can check after class. In case of emergency, guardians can call the main office and have the student pulled from class.
According to the email, Rock Bridge High School wants to ensure that all students and parents have information on the new policy before the start of the new school year so they can adjust and prepare for the change.
"We recommend that families take time between now and the start of school to practice what it will look and feel like to go 90 minutes without access to a cell phone," the email states.
The first day of school for Columbia Public Schools is Aug. 20.
