Liberty High School

As partners in your child's education, I want to ask for your assistance. As we ended the 2022-23 school year, the number of electronic issues had dramatically increased. Beginning with the 2023-24 school year our expectations for cell phones will be very straightforward. Students may bring a phone to school, but once they enter the building, phones and ear buds need to be put safely away. Students should not have phones/ear buds out in the classroom.

• Where can phones be used?

• Before school, after school, during passing time, on the bus, and soar time (lunch).

• Where can phones not be used?

• Classrooms, bathrooms, school offices (ex. counselors), unless otherwise stated by an administrator.

• What if my students' sport/activity is cancelled?

• Administration will announce this information over the intercom. Students may then raise hand and use phone with permission.

• Why are we doing this?

• Overall classroom engagement

• Student grades

• Research

• Surgeon General Issues New Advisory About Effects Social Media Use Has on Youth Mental Health

• Distraction to the learning environment

• Self-regulation

• Social Media/Cyberbullying

• Mental Health

• What if there is an emergency and I need to contact my student immediately?

• Call the office at 636-561-0075 and we can take a message for your student or have them come down to the office to contact you.

• Students will still have cell phones within their possession (backpack/purse).

• This means any location device tools parents may use will still work ex. Life360 app

• If in danger, your children can reach the authorities or a medical provider.

Below is the board approved policy and our technology violation practices:

Electronics: Improper Possession or Use; Cell Phones. Possession and use of any electronics by students during the school day is strongly discouraged and is governed by the following rules.

High Schools. The following rules relating to possession and use of electronic devices apply to high school students:

• During Class Time:

  • Students may not use cell phones for any purpose during class time. Cell phones may not be visible or audible during class time. Cell phones, however, may be stored in backpacks during class time if they are placed in silent mode or turned off.

  • Electronic devices other than administration-approved devices that are used for instructional or educational purposes are prohibited.

• Outside of Class Time:

  • Electronic devices, including cell phones, may be used on the way to and from the school on the bus.

  • Electronic devices, including cell phones, may be used outside of class time, including assigned lunch periods and in the passing time between classes.

• 1st offense - The student may be assigned a detention and/or ISS.

• 2nd offense/subsequent offences - Principal/student conference, detention, ISS

I would appreciate it if you could have a conversation with your child on the expectations. Cell phones are part of our world, but they can be distracting in a school setting. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to contact me.

Ed Nelson

Building Principal

Liberty High School