Beginning with the 2012-13 school year and building on the positive momentum of the McMurray Electronic Device Policy (below), I would like to see Vashon High School adopt a similar policy. The McMurray policy has been praised by parents, teachers and students alike for providing uninterrupted class time when teachers teach and students learn. The policy will: • Allow teachers to focus on teaching rather than policing hand-held electronic device use in the classroom. • Allow students at least class-length periods of study/learning time free from the distraction of cell phones, etc. • Helps students to practice being in the present This is not a proposed ban on these devices, but guidelines for use that will support a stronger learning environment at Vashon High School. It is understandable that technology will be an ever-present and valuable classroom resource, but it us up to us as adults in this community to formulate and teach responsible use of electronic devices. Teachers are in charge of the learning environment in their classrooms and it their prerogative to decide when technology can strengthen their lesson plans. Note: Some Vashon High School students use computers and other devices for note-taking in the classroom. To achieve “clearance” for personal computer use in class, students could be asked to sign a “no internet” policy for this privilege, with the privilege revoked if abused. I would like to support the adoption of a policy similar to the McMurray Electronic Device Policy for the Vashon High School 2012-13 school year: McMurray Electronic Device Policy Technology and cell phones are a valuable resource; however, these items can be disruptive to the school learning environment. Electronic devices include mobile phone devices, iPods, Game Boys, pagers, laptops, iPads, MP3 players and the like. McMurray discourages students from bringing these expensive items to school and cannot be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices. If a student chooses to bring electronic devices to school, they must be turned off (not on vibrate) and stored in the student’s locker. Electronic devices may be used only outside the building before school, after school and during lunch. Students who choose to use electronic devices during these approved times are responsible for stowing them out of sight as they walk through the building. If a student is seen with an electronic device inside the building, it will be confiscated, without discussion, by staff and stored in the office. In this event, the following procedures will be followed: 1st offense, electronic device is held in the office until the end of the day, when the student can claim it. 2nd offense, electronic device is held in the office until the end of the day and can be claimed by a parent at his or her convenience. 3rd offense, electronic device is held in the office until the end of the day and can be claimed by a parent following a conference with the Principal. If parents need to contact their child during the school day, they may do so via the front office. Parents may either ask to have a specific message sent to their student or ask that their student come to the office to phone a parent. We recognize that electronic devices may sometimes hold educational value; therefore, a teacher may authorize or direct limited use within the classroom setting. Parental support in discussing and reinforcing this new policy with your student is greatly appreciated. *Reference VISD Board of Directors Policy #3245