In response to ministerial orders issued on June 17, 2024, Brock Elementary School will be issuing a ban on personal mobile devices and social media during instructional time. This policy will be effective September 1, 2024.
Personal mobile devices include any device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet, such as a cell phone, tablet, gaming device, laptop or smartwatch. This also includes devices capable of communicating with a mobile device such as headphones and Bluetooth devices (e.g. earbuds and speakers.)
These new rules will apply to all students, with exceptions for students using devices for health and medical needs, to support specialized learning needs and for educational purposes.
The school will block student access to known social media platforms on school networks and school devices for all grade levels. Social media platforms can only be used by students at school for educational purposes, directed by an educator.
All students will not be permitted to use personal mobile devices during the school day. Student devices brought to school must be out of sight and either powered off or set to silent. They should be left in backpacks, lockers or areas designated by teachers or better yet – simply left at home.
If a student is found to be using a personal mobile device in class without permission from the teacher, we will work with the student to ensure the rules are understood. We rely on good communication to ensure students know what is expected. Our goal is to improve student achievement and well-being with a focused and supportive learning environment.
Please note that field trips are considered instructional time; if personal mobile devices are brought on field trips, they must be set to silent. The school will not be responsible for any loss or damage of the students’ personal devices.
If your child has a medical condition:
The school will allow the use of a mobile device during learning time only when the students need to support, monitor or regulate their health or medical condition.
Use of devices during field trips and local excursions:
Students may use personal devices during field trips for educational purposes. The School Principal or the Supervising Teachers will reserve the right to remove any device used inappropriately by the students
Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, report cards are to communicate information to students and their parents about classroom distractions, where applicable, including those related to the use of personal mobile devices. This will be communicated using the section of the report card reserved for comments on learning skills and work habits in the Elementary Provincial Report Cards.
It is expected that comments are supportive of students’ ongoing development of learning skills and work habits as outlined in Growing Success (2010) and assessment, evaluation and reporting practices and procedures are fair, transparent, and equitable for all students.