Greetings Middle Schools Parents and Students,

We hope you have been enjoying your summer and are looking forward to welcoming you back into the building on August 21st! While you prepare to return to school, we would like to inform you of an important update to our school technology use policy regarding the use of cell phones on NWMS premises.        

After careful consideration and in consultation with staff and the Northwest Board of Education, Northwest Middle School will be implementing a new technology use policy that prohibits the use of cell phones during school hours. This decision was made with the primary goal of creating a focused and safe learning environment for our students.

Effective beginning Wednesday, August 21, 2024, students will no longer be allowed to use their cell phones within the school premises during class hours, lunch breaks, and other school activities during the regular school day. We understand that cell phones have become an integral part of modern life, but we firmly believe that minimizing their presence during school hours will help promote better concentration, reduce distractions, and foster face-to-face interactions among students. Students may store their cell phones in their lockers for the duration of the school day and are welcome to use them after the conclusion of the school day.

To support this policy, we kindly request your cooperation in ensuring that your child is informed of this change. If there are specific reasons your child may need a cell phone for emergencies or other important matters, please contact the front office at (517) 817-4703 to discuss alternative arrangements.

We acknowledge this change may require an adjustment period for both students and parents. Therefore, our teachers and staff will be actively engaging with students to educate them about the rationale behind this policy and how it can positively impact their learning experience.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please do not hesitate to contact us at nw.media@nwschools.org. Your feedback is important as we strive to create the best environment for our students.

Thank you for your understanding and support. Together, we can ensure that our school remains a safe and productive place for students to thrive personally and academically. Please see a copy of the updated policy found in the Student Handbook at the bottom of this letter.

Thank you and have a great week!

Daniel Brooks, NWMS Principal

Dale Stroede, NWMS Assistant Principal

Northwest Kidder Middle School Cell Phone Use

• Students may use an Electronic Communication Device (ECD: This includes devices such as smart watches, cell phones, radios, etc.) before entering the building and after leaving the building at the end of the school day.

• During the school day, students should place ECDs in their lockers and lock them up.  If an ECD is in their pocket, they must be silenced to prevent distractions.

• ECD use in restrooms and locker rooms is prohibited at all times.

• Students may not exit the building during the school day in order to use an ECD. Phones are available in the office to contact parents.

• Students that participate in extracurricular activities must abide by the ECD use rules determined by the coach, advisor, or sponsor. Coaches, advisors, and sponsors will enforce the consequences involving misuse of these devices during practices, meetings, or competitions.

• The school district is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to ECDs. Students are encouraged to leave the devices in secure locations. A school district employee that stores an ECD for a student is not responsible for its loss, theft, or damage.

• Violation of the policy will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the school building code of conduct.