Dear Brewster Community and Families,
Hope this note finds you having a wonderful summer. We would like to remind families about our updated technology policy 3245. Our district has determined it is in the best interest of our students to leave their technology at home, locked in cars, or in their lockers.
When students return to school this fall, we will continue to implement the updated policy. It is our hope that our students start school strong and be focused on learning. As always, we would like to ensure our students are healthy, ready, and able to learn, and prepared for life after their time at Brewster School District.
In accordance with the existing Brewster School District Policy 3245:
Students will be asked to NOT bring cell phones, smart watches, ear buds, headphones, and all other electronics to school. Students seen using their phones and/or electronic devices at school will have them immediately taken away and placed in the safe in the office. Students must leave cell phones and all other electronic devices in backpacks and locked in lockers. Cell phones, ear buds and electronic devices will not be allowed in classrooms, hallways, commons, the gym, or restrooms. They will not be allowed in pockets or in notebooks. This policy will be in effect from the time students arrive to school in the morning until the end of the day when they leave campus.
The best way to contact students during the school day is to call the proper school office for any type of message or change to a pick-up/departure routine. There is a student phone in offices for students to use upon request.
Brewster School District is not responsible for the theft, loss or damage of any electronic devices brought to the school or school events.
Brewster School Board Policy #3245 F. states the following: “By bringing a cell phone or other electronic devices to school or school-sponsored events, the student, and their parent/guardian consent to the search of the device when school officials have a reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that such a search will reveal a violation of the law or school rules. Content or images that violate state or federal laws will be referred to law enforcement.”
The implementation of this policy is due to many factors, a few of which are listed below:
Students have been caught taking videos and pictures in the classrooms without permission and them to social media.
Students have been caught taking videos and pictures of others in the bathroom and posting to social media.
Many social conflicts are occurring during school hours due to students communicating through texting and social media.
Bullying and harassment at school has been perpetuated through cell phones and social media, along with this, pornography has been shared among students.
Cheating has been enabled by cell phones and pictures.
TikTok and other social media “Challenges” have been enacted at school. Students are photographing or video recording these acts. These Challenges are causing hundreds of dollars in damage.
**Most of these issues were non-existent in our schools last year once phones were removed. We believe that boundaries were set and students were focused and present in classes.
Should your child bring a phone to school the following will be put into place.
1st Offense Immediate confiscation, warning issued, and device turned over to office for student to pick up at the end of the day.
2nd Offense Immediate Confiscation, device turned over to office until a parent/guardian pick up.
3rd Offense Immediate confiscation, device confiscated for 1 week.
4th Offense Immediate confiscation, device confiscated for 1 month.
5th Offense Immediate confiscation, device confiscated until end of semester/year.
***If the student refuses to comply after the 3rd offense, additional school discipline will apply.
We are excited to continue our no phone policy in this school year. Our updated policy is in effect, and we will partner with parents to ensure all our students are safe and successful. Our teachers and staff are committed to making our school a great place to work and learn because our students deserve the best possible educational experience.
Please note that many schools are following the no phone policy that we use, as we are finding that many of our students appreciate the boundary, and are happy to be able to have face to face conversations with each other once again.
Thank you for your help,
Lynnette Blackburn