New School Year Info

In spring of 2024, Indiana legislators passed Senate Bill 185 which restricts students from using cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices during instructional time unless approved by a teacher for educational purposes. Additionally, it is designed to address concerns about increasing distractions, cyberbullying, and safety risks associated with unrestricted electronic device usage in schools, promoting a more focused learning environment. CLICK HERE to read Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 185 which goes into effect on July 1, 2024. 

Students will be expected to keep their phones and other electronic devices (headphones, earbuds, smart watches being used as accessory to cellular devices, etc.) away in their backpack during every class period (instructional time). The device(s) should not be seen or heard during instruction unless it is being used for an educational purpose as determined by the classroom teacher.

There are exceptions, like in the event of an emergency (an urgent, serious, sudden event that necessitates immediate action), if a student requires a device to manage their health care, and for students who use such devices as part of an individualized education program. Additionally, students are permitted to use their devices during non-instructional time, such as before and after school, passing periods, and lunch.

In the event of personal/family emergency (an urgent, serious, sudden event that necessitates immediate action), parents should contact the school via the school secretary. This will provide the fastest response time to connect you with your student with little to no disruption to the learning environment. Students will be brought to the office and be provided with a private space to speak/meet with parents, guardian, etc. Students will have access to their phones before and after school, during passing periods, and lunch. 

In case of emergencies (an urgent, serious, sudden event that necessitates immediate action), students should notify the nearest adult or use their device to call for help.  

For any issues/events that do not follow the definition of an emergency, students can use landline phones located in the main office areas to contact parents/guardians. As noted above, students can also use their devices during non-instructional time to communicate with home.

The school understands the potential educational value of smartphones. However, to maintain consistency and focus during class time, students will utilize school-provided resources or approved devices for educational purposes, such as a school issued or personal laptop. School apps such as Schoology, PowerSchool, Desmos Calculator, STOPit, etc., are all accessible through a student’s laptop.

If your child needs to contact you during school hours, they can do so through the school office or designated staff members. Students can also use their devices during non-instructional time (before/after school, passing periods, lunch) to communicate with parents/guardians as needed.

The school enforces the policy through clear guidelines, consistent monitoring, and appropriate disciplinary measures for non-compliance. These measures are designed to ensure the policy's effectiveness and uphold the school's educational objectives. Students will be provided with a reminder of the policy. Further non-compliance will result in progressive disciplinary action resulting in, but not limited to, after school detention, Saturday school, in-school suspension (ISS), out of school suspension (OSS), or expulsion.

Offenses will be tracked by class period with consequences administered by teacher or administrator depending on the number for that class (see above). The number of offenses per class period will reset at the beginning of the next semester.

Parents can support the school's efforts by reinforcing the importance of the policy at home, discussing alternative means of communication with their child, and modeling responsible smartphone use themselves. 

Students are permitted to use their devices during non-instructional times, such as before and after school, passing periods, and lunch. 

Classroom teachers will provide your student with teacher-directed alternatives to using their personal device. 

There has been plenty of research to show that phones and social media release dopamine in our brains, making it more addictive with use as we seek that same rush of dopamine.  If your student is feeling anxious or withdrawn, please let their school counselor know about their feelings. 

With a quick internet search, you can find many books, peer-reviewed articles, and experts addressing the effects of smartphones, screen-time, and social media on children and teenagers.  There has been a steep rise in studies on the effects personal devices on teenagers, especially since 2020, due to reported increases in mental health issues amongst teens.  Here are links to a few suggested resources related to the impact of smartphones and social media on mental health. The information below is not intended to promote these as the only authoritative resources on this important topic. 

Books: 

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 

• A summary of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://jonathanhaidt.com/anxious-generation/ 

• iGen by Jean Twenge 

Articles: 

•  National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7012622/ 

• Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-kids-call-the-shots/202310/5-ways-excessive-cell-phone-use-decreases-mental-health 

• National Public Radio (NPR): https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/04/25/1171773181/social-media-teens-mental-health 

A mental health professional is always a good contact when dealing with addiction issues.  You can contact your student’s school counselor for community resources.  Avon Community School Corporation has a partnership with Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, which can provide resources for students while in the building. 

In spring of 2024, Indiana legislators passed Senate Bill 185 which restricts students from using cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices during instructional time unless approved by a teacher for educational purposes. Additionally, it is designed to address concerns about increasing distractions, cyberbullying, and safety risks associated with unrestricted electronic device usage in schools, promoting a more focused learning environment. CLICK HERE to read Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 185 which goes into effect on July 1, 2024. 

Students will be expected to keep their phones and other electronic devices (headphones, earbuds, smart watches being used as accessory to cellular devices, etc.) away in their backpacks during every class period (instructional time.) The device(s) should not be seen or heard during instruction unless it is being used for an educational purpose as determined by the classroom teacher.  

There are exceptions, like in the event of an emergency (an urgent, serious, sudden event that necessitates immediate action), if a student requires a device to manage their health care, and for students who use such devices as part of an individualized education program. Additionally, students are permitted to use their devices during non-instructional time, such as before and after school, passing periods, and lunch.  

In case of personal/family emergency (an urgent, serious, sudden event that necessitates immediate action), parents should contact the school via the school secretary. This will provide the fastest response time to connect them with you with little to no disruption to the learning environment. Students will be brought to the office and be provided with a private space to speak/meet with parents, guardian, etc. Students will have access to their phones before and after school, during passing periods, and lunch. 

In case of emergencies (an urgent, serious, sudden event that necessitates immediate action), students should notify the nearest adult or use their device to call for help.  

For any issues/events that do not follow the definition of an emergency, students can use landline phones located in the main office areas to contact parents/guardians. As noted above, students can also use their devices during non-instructional time to communicate with home.

The school understands the potential educational value of smartphones. However, to maintain consistency and focus during class time, students will utilize school-provided resources or approved devices for educational purposes, such as a school issued or personal laptop. School apps such as Schoology, PowerSchool, Desmos Calculator, STOPit, etc., are all accessible through a student’s laptop.

If you need to contact someone during school hours, you can do so through the school office or designated staff members. Students can also use their devices during non-instructional time (before/after school, passing periods, lunch) to communicate with parents/guardians as needed.

The school enforces the policy through clear guidelines, consistent monitoring, and appropriate disciplinary measures for non-compliance. These measures are designed to ensure the policy's effectiveness and uphold the school's educational objectives. Students will be provided with a reminder of the policy. Further non-compliance will result in progressive disciplinary action resulting in, but not limited to, after school detention, Saturday school, in-school suspension (ISS), out of school suspension (OSS), or expulsion.

Offenses will be tracked by class period with consequences administered by teacher or administrator depending on the number for that class (see above). The number of offenses per class period will reset at the beginning of the next semester.

You are not alone. There has been plenty of research to show that phones and social media release dopamine in our brains, making it more addictive with use as we seek that same rush of dopamine. Do your best to stay focused on the tasks at hand in the classroom and find ways to engage one-on-one with peers. If you find yourself feeling anxious or withdrawn, please let your school counselor and/or parents and guardians know about your feelings.

Your classroom teacher will provide you with teacher-directed alternatives to using your personal device.

Students are permitted to use their devices during non-instructional times, such as before and after school, passing periods, and lunch.