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“82% of parents of middle schoolers do not want their kids to use cell phones during school.”

6.4 % of students saw their test scores improve after phones were banned.

10.6% lower test score found for students who receive texts during class.

Attention span lower for students who have cell phones with them.

Links to study regarding research in this area.

During emergencies, cell phone use by students has been a distraction in following directions, misinformation, and staying quiet.

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What have we seen at Hoover Middle School as a result of inappropriate cell phone use?

Increase in cell phone related behaviors and referrals
Increase in bullying using social media platforms.
Decrease in attention to learning and classroom performance
Cell phone theft
Pictures taken of students/staff without consent or knowledge many of which were embarrassing and caused students and families emotional distress
Student use of cell phones to send pornographic pictures, weapons pictures, etc..
Students planning to “meet up” for:

ditching
vaping and drugs
fighting
inappropriate sexual behaviors

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TikTok Challenges where students use their phones to document and post about a “challenge” where they destroy property, hurt or embarrass others, etc. Link to an article explaining here.

Photos taken over/under a stall without consent or knowledge to be posted on social media..

Screen time/cell phone addiction is at an all time high. Video here.

Students using phones in class instead of learning.

Cell phones used to send threats or bully others.

ALL of these have been present at HMS.

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How is HMS working to address this important issue?

After looking at research, local case studies, issues with cell phones at school, surveys completed last year as well as working with families and students we have made the decision that HMS will not allow students to carry cell phones during the school day. Despite our previous policy that phones should be turned off and put away at all times, problems continued to impact student learning and well being. Families will have the choice to keep their student’s cell phone at home or participate in the secure phone check in system at school.

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What does the Cell Phone Collection Plan look like?

Starting at 7:50: Students will be greeted by a staff member as they enter in order to place cell phones in teacher lock boxes.

Students will filter in through the front of the building to the foyer and cafeteria. All exterior gates will be locked.
Students should place their phone in a plastic baggie that has their name on it (best) or use a sticky note to put their name on it.
Phones will be turned in to lock boxes labeled by 7th period teacher for end of day return.
All lock boxes will be stored in the front office. If a student leaves early, the front office can get their phone.

*** Hoover Middle School is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of any personal items, including personal electronic devices. We prefer that you keep your cell phones at home, but if you choose to send it, it will be stored in a secure location.***

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2nd Occurance

3rd Occurance

4th Occurance

Parent Must Pick Up

Student will turn in their phone or wireless headphones and it will be kept in the front office where a parent or guardian must pick it up.

Parent May Pick Up The Next School Day With an Appointment

Student will turn in their phone or wireless headphones and it will be kept in the front office where a parent or guardian must pick it up..

Parent May Pick Up After One Week With an Appointment

Student will turn in their phone or wireless headphones and it will be kept in the front office. A parent or guardian must pick it up during a meeting with the administration.

WARNING

Student will turn in their phone or wireless headphones and may receive it from their 7th period teacher at the end of the day.

1st Occurance

CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

Any additional occurrence will result in a behavior contract with penalties up to and including confiscation of the device through the end of the semester.