Dear Middle School Families & Students,
We are reaching out to inform you of some changes that will be made to our cell phone and backpack procedures here at the Middle School. This was done in conjunction with the Middle School Building Leadership Team that consists of teachers, staff, parents, students, and administrators. This return to practices and protocols that were a part of the fabric of our middle school program prior to the pandemic will help ensure the safety of our school community, increase instructional engagement in classrooms, and will take effect after the February Recess starting on Monday, February 28, 2022.
We understand that these changes may take some time for our students to adjust to, and settle into these new procedures. Staff and teachers will be understanding of this adjustment and will allow for a grace period as students modify their day-to-day schedule. These changes are outlined in the updated Middle School Student-Parent Handbook and go as follows:
Cell Phones, Electronic Devices, and Headphones: Distractions from these devices during the school day and class have been increasing. This causes interruptions to the educational setting.
Cell phones, wireless speakers, headphones, etc. are to be put in students’ lockers before the first period of the school day. Electronic devices are to remain away until students leave for dismissal.
Phones are not to be seen or used during the school day and must be stored in students’ lockers.
Violations of the electronics procedures will be dealt with in accordance with the response chart laid out in the full district Code of Conduct.
At any time if a student refuses to comply with the procedures and consequences outlined above, their behaviors will be dealt with as insubordination and in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
Students will be permitted to use their cell phones during school hours/class with permission from a teacher or staff member. Students can utilize the school phones in the classrooms, Main Office and Counseling Center if they need to call home. Families may contact the school’s main office if they need to communicate with their child for an urgent matter during the school day.
Backpacks: Backpacks can be a tripping hazard in the classrooms and cafeteria.
Students are no longer allowed to carry backpacks with them throughout the day.
Backpacks are expected to be stored in students’ lockers and sports gear should be stored in the locker room or a designated location per the coach.
Students will be permitted to stop at their locker during the day.
Small Chromebook or laptop sleeves and bags will be permitted, provided that they are able to be stored under the student's desk and outside of the aisles in any classroom environment.
We have ordered cases for all students. These will be distributed in homeroom upon their arrival.
Our recommendation to students is that they utilize their lockers at the beginning of the day when they arrive, before or after lunch, and at the end of the day before they go home.
In preparation for these changes, we will be providing the following information and opportunities to our students to help them adjust to these changes.
Students who do not remember their locker information can stop by the Main Office or the Counseling Center to receive this information.
During the morning announcements, locker procedures, “norms” and protocols will be reviewed, as well as the new cell phone procedures. This will also be reinforced during scheduled teaching times the week of 2/14.
Locker training sessions will be held - students will be able to get assistance with using the lock. These will happen during the week of 2/14.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this new procedure, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you.
Denise Capece and Chris Adamek
Interim Middle School Principal, Assistant Middle School Principal
dcapece@rcscsd.org, cadamek@rcscsd.org
(518) 756-5200 ext. 3000