August 12, 2022
By News Director Jared Atha
Multiple school districts across the country, including right here in western Oklahoma, have adopted a new cell phone policy.
Elk City is no different, unveiling their updated policy for the high school earlier this week before the first day of school.
The policy reads, in part, that no student cell phones, air pods or headphones of any kind will be allowed to be in use in classrooms. It says that all cell phones will need to be kept on silent and put away upon entering any classroom, and that teachers may also provide a designated area in the classroom in which cell phones can be placed. If a student leaves the classroom during class time, the cell phone will need to be left in the classroom in the space designated by the teacher.
Furthermore, the policy went on to say that during class students may not use phones for calculators, checking time, listening to music, watching videos, checking grades or for any other reason. If there is a medical reason for a student to use a cell phone during class, prior approval must be given by administration.
Superintendent Mike Sparks says the ultimate goal with the policy is to create the best learning experience for the students.
[audio mp3="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/441/2022/08/12135623/812-sparks-1.mp3"]The policy did state that if a parent or guardian needs to contact a student in an emergency during class time, to call the office at 225-0105.
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