Hello, RCS Middle School Parents & Guardians!
Good afternoon,
As a follow up to my earlier S'more, I would like to provide additional information about the additional guidelines for the upcoming dance.
Since joining this district, I have personally chaperoned several dances and other events for our middle school students. I have observed that most of the students that attend the dances and events spend a great deal of time on their cell phones, instead of socializing with their peers and actually dancing or playing in the gymnasium! As a parent of two former middle school students, I realize and accept that having a cell phone has become part of the reality of being a teenager. However, as the principal of our school, I have a responsibility to promote and maintain a positive social setting for all students here at the school.
During every dance and event that I have chaperoned, students take pictures and video footage of one another and it is virtually impossible to know if this is happening with consent or even awareness among the students. Living in this age of social media, I have no doubt that our students are posting pictures and video footage on various sites such as Snapchat and Instagram.
As with any decision, I consider the issue from all perspectives, including being a parent. I understand that having a cell phone makes it easier for students to contact their parents when they need to be picked up and for parents to contact their child at the end of the dance. I also anticipate parents wanting their child to have a phone in case of an emergency. However, not only does every chaperone have a cell phone, but every room in the school has a phone, including the gym, so there will always be multiple ways to make an emergency call if needed.
For all of the reasons stated above, students that bring a cell phone to a school dance will be expected to place their phone in our secure area when they check in. When they are ready to leave, or at the end of the dance, students will be able to retrieve their phone.
We have given this issue a great deal of thought and I have come to the conclusion that it is imperative that we encourage and promote actual conversation and personal interactions among our students. Our plan to limit phone use during the dance is all about getting the students to interact with one another, verbally, face to face and ensure the safety and privacy of all who attend.
Students will come in at the main entrance. For questions, please contact Ms.Waddingham at (518) 756-5200 ext. 3021 or Ms. Carusone at dcarusone@rcscsd.org.
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Middle School
Email: dcapece@rcscsd.org
Website: https://www.rcscsd.org/o/rcs-middle
Location: 2025 Route 9W, Selkirk, NY, USA
Phone: (518) 756-5200
