Principal Update
Dear Students and Parents/Caregivers,
We are making progress on the school’s student cell phone/personal device rules and guidelines for the 2024-2025 school year. Cell phones have become a way of life, a technological convenience that has impacted all of us in many ways. However, in the school environment, cell phones can be a distraction, an interruption, and occasionally, a tool to exchange inappropriate information.
Beginning this fall, NHS will have a new plan for cell phones and other electronic devices including earbuds/ air pods that will expected more distraction free instructional time within our classrooms. Our action team, including staff, parents and student representatives will be finalizing a plan to share with everyone in the next two weeks. We have utilized survey feedback, reviewed and applied the latest research as we've considered options for implementation.
It is our desire to take a more comprehensive approach to develop an electronic device (cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, etc…) procedures (supported by policy), in order to create a more focused learning environment while addressing the legitimate needs of stakeholders. Our "why" focuses on four main areas:
1. Improve Academic Performance: Recent research has found that cell phone use in the classroom is a significant source of distraction. The Journal of Educational Psychology, (2020) discovered that students who frequently use their cell phones in class tend to have lower academic performance. Additionally, an article sited in Education and Information Technologies (2022) highlighted that multitasking with cell phones negatively affects information retention and understanding.
2. Enhance Mental Health: Excessive cell phone use has been linked to increased anxiety and stress among students. Behavioral Science (2023) research indicates that the pressure of constant connectivity and social media can lead to mental health issues.. Additionally, a study in Clinical Psychological Science (2022) also found that students who use cell phones during class are more likely to experience social isolation and depression.
3. Create a Better Classroom Environment: Cell phones are disruptive to the classroom environment, making it difficult for teachers to maintain control and for students to focus on learning. The Journal of Computers in Education (2020) concluded that cell phones lead to increased incidents of cheating and reduced participation in class discussions. Furthermore, an article in Education Science (2024) found that cell phone policies can improve the learning environment by creating the conditions for more face to face interactions among students.
4. Support Effective Teaching: Studies and surveys had indicated that both teachers and students recognize the disruptive nature of cellphones and devices in the classroom. Education Science (2024) revealed widespread support for measures to limit cell phone use and highlighted that educators feel more empowered and effective when cell phone use is restricted. A recent NHS survey to parents and teacher supports the findings referenced in the research publications. We believe our new guideline will allow our students to be more engaged in classroom activities, and conversely, less likely to be distracted by non-school activities. It will allow teachers to focus on lessons, instead of cell phone distractions in the classrooms. As more research around the impacts of cell phone use of adolescents is being published, we understand that it can lead to increased mental health issues in adolescents. As protecting and supporting the mental health of our students is a priority, we believe that limiting cell phone use during school will assist us in these endeavors. We recognize that cell phones are a safety and security tool for parents and students to stay connected.
In the next two weeks, I will share the cell phone/electronic devices plan with students, staff and families. In this plan, we will lay out a balanced and common sense approached for cell phone/electronic device use and consequences for not following the plan. Our end in mind is to prepare every student for lifelong success by developing critical thinkers who are curious and ready to engage in our society. Each of us playa key role in helping our students develop the technology literacy skills to effectively engage in society.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for your child. If you have any questions or feedback about the development of our cell phone policy and procedures, please do not hesitate to contact me at sbaier@northfieldschools.org or by phone 507-645-3473.
Sincerely,
Shane Baier
NHS Principal
Check out NHS job openings; Yearbook Advisor & Senior Celebration Coordinator
If you are interested in supporting your school community in this way, click here to view the open positions. Email me at sbaier@northfieldschools.org if you have questions or a lead on a possible candidate.
***If we are unable to find a suitable candidate, these activities won't take place for the 2024-25 school year.***
NHS Openings:
1. Yearbook Advisor
2. Senior Celebration Planner
If you need a new physical, please schedule your appointment ASAP and get it to Sheryl by emailing it to sdocken@northfieldschools.org or dropping it off at the main office at NHS. We will do our best to get all new physicals entered prior to registration opening. The biggest thing is to have updated physicals (as needed) completed as soon as you can to make things go more smoothly and less stressful for all of us.
Registration for fall activities will be open on August 1st! Click on this LINK that will bring you to the "Activities Online Registration'' to begin the process of registering your student for the activity of their choice. Each student will need a current physical on file as the first day of practice for all athletic activities that begin on August 12th so everything needs to be completed by the end of the day of August 9th in order to participate.
Enjoy the remainder of summer!
John Mahal
Activities Director
Northfield High School
1400 Division Street Northfield, MN 55057
Office: 507-663-0632
“Schedule change day” is set for August 19th from 7:30 am to 11:00 am. Schedule changes are only allowed in very limited circumstances.
Incorrectly enrolled in a required course (ie. a sophomore in World History rather than American History)
Enrolled in two courses during the same hour
Study halls are imbalanced (i.e. no study halls 1st semester and two study halls 2nd semester)
Changes for students accepted to the St. Olaf or Carleton Senior Honors Program over the summer.
When are student pictures scheduled?
It is imperative that ALL students have their picture taken at this time, even if they do not intend to place an order for photos.
If you do not have a parking pass and you are still planning to drive to school, here are your options:
Park in the Rock Field free lot on the south side of campus by the softball fields.
Register your car with Cornerstone Community Church. Simply go into the church office and give them your car information. They have limited spots and assume first come, first serve. This parking is also free of charge
This is the same system that parents will use to pay for lunches, loss book fees, IPad insurance and other fees.Parking permit cost for the 2024-25 school is $100.
How do I stay connected through social media?
- @AdNorfield
- @NFLDSchools
- @BaierShane
Facebook Account to Follow:
Instagram Account to Follow: