Dear Ecole Frank Ross Parents/Guardians,
Earlier this year, the Province announced three actions for the safety and well-being of students in relation to digital technology.
Since that announcement the Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order has been amended, effective July 1, 2024, to require all boards of education to include one or more statements restricting student use of personal digital devices (including cell phones) at school.
School District 59 has been working to update and align policy and practice with the amended order.
What this means for the school:
- We will be updating our code of conduct to align with the new order and the updated school district Code of Conduct policy.
- Students will not be permitted the use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
- There will be few exceptions and these will be based on Medical or Inclusive Competency-Based Individual Education Plans
Practically, we have been operating to nearly this standard based on our current code of conduct language, see below.
Students will not be permitted use of their personal cell phones/electronic devices from the time they arrive on school grounds to the time they depart.
Misuse of cellphones/electronics may include but is not limited to:
- Taking pictures/video without permission at school
- Inappropriate messaging
- Use of social media
- Sharing inappropriate content with others directly or indirectly
- Cyber-bullying
Misuse of cell phones/electronics at school will result in removal of the phone to the office for the remainder of the day. Further infractions will result in removal of the phone for parent/guardian to pick-up from office. An individual plan for having the phone at school will be implemented at the discretion of school administration.
The updated Code of Conduct language will be shared out before the end of June and will be included in the updated Code of Conduct and Parent-Student Handbook for the 2024-25 school year.
Additionally, please look out for important school communication related to student attendance and emergency preparedness that will require your action for the new school year as well.
