September 5, 2017
Attention Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
With the many advances in technology, it has become the norm for students to have cell phones and other forms of technology at their fingertips. However, the use of cell phones on the school premises during school hours has become a major problem here at Townsend and is against district policy. On a daily basis, many of our middle school students are bringing cell phones to school and using them during class time. We have viewed pictures of them that have been taken in the classrooms, cafeteria and in the restrooms. Some of the photos have been extremely inappropriate and of a sexual nature.
As a result of this issue, effective immediately, students who violate the rules regarding cell phone usage on school premises will receive severe consequences including check-in/check-out of phones daily, suspension, and for our 8th grade students, exclusion from the 8th grade completion ceremony. Cell phone usage and visibility is not allowed on school premises for any reason and must stop. This poses a major distraction to the teaching and learning taking place in our classrooms and can potentially be a safety issue.
If at any point during the school day, you need to call or leave a message for your child, please call the main office and they will assist you. There has been many times when students have had their phones out to place/receive a call or to send/receive a text message to their parents. If there is a need for your child to contact you from school, he/she may do so with an administrator’s approval.
Below you will find the Milwaukee Public Schools district policy on student use of communication devices, as well as the definition of the violation per the policy as stated in the Parent/Student Handbook on Rights, Responsibilities and Discipline.
Student Use of Communication Devices
While on premises controlled by Milwaukee Public Schools, students are not allowed to activate, use or display electronic communication devises, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, portable music players and any device capable of accessing social media. Violation of this rule will result in discipline according to district policy. If devices are activated, used or displayed in violation of this policy, they will be confiscated. If a student activates, uses or displays a communication device to endanger the physical safety or mental well being of others, the student will be recommended for expulsion. In the event that communication devices are brought to school, the school and school district will not be financially responsible for lost or stolen items. (pg. 18)
Associated Violation of School Conduct
Inappropriate Personal Property: Possession of personal property prohibited by school rules and otherwise disruptive to teaching and learning of others such as food, beverages, laser pointers, electronic and communication devises. (pg. 28)
Again, violation of the rules will result in severe consequences for your child. Please talk to him/her and work together with us to keep teaching, learning and student safety at the highest levels in our school.