School district's cell phone policy launching

Classes haven't started yet but two La Conner High School students already have homework.

Emmalin Goodman and Kellie Cayou-Lockrem will be providing feedback to school board members on the district's new cell phone policy, their first task as the board's new student ­representatives.

"We value your input," board member John Agen told the panel's student reps. "We'd like to have you be the most engaged student representatives we've ever had."

Board President Susie Deyo said that rather than assigning Goodman and Cayou-Lockrem an annual project, as previously, they will be assigned shorter, more timely monthly topics.

Student feedback on new cell phone restrictions is expected to be topical.

In an initial district survey, families indicated they like the idea of restricted student cell phone use believing it will reduce distracted learning and unnecessary social interaction between students. Their chief concern was fewer opportunities for emergency and family ­communications.

"But 40% said they had no significant concerns (with students) not having cell phones," Director of Teaching and Learning Beth Clothier told board members.

Clothier and Middle-High School Principal Christine Tripp outlined the plan for restricting cell phone use. Middle school students will place their cell phones in a locked case at the start of each school day. High school students will keep their phones secured in a magnetic Yondr pouch that can be unlocked once the school day ends.

"Using the Yondr pouches is a pretty common practice now at concerts," said Clothier.

Board members said Cherri Kahns, executive assistant to Superintendent David Cram, had gleaned the framework for the student cell phone procedures from the Mercer Island School District.

"Cherri pulled a lot of material together," Clothier said. "We made tweaks to fit our situation."

Tripp said that the Yondr pouches are designed to help students learn when cell phone use is appropriate – a skill that transfers to future college and career settings.

"When we're at work," Tripp said, "we don't have our cell phones out because that's not an appropriate place."

Pouches have been ordered and were shipped Aug. 23, staff said.

Clothier said that during the first three days of school, staff will help students acclimate to the new procedures. Initial violations will draw warnings. Repeated infractions will result in phones being taken for the rest of the school day.

What happens if students forget to unlock their phones before going home?

That would likely happen only once, Clothier quipped, adding in a more serious tone that many staff are on campus well after the last bell rings.

"I know my mom wouldn't drive me back to school to unlock my phone," Goodman said, drawing laughter.

Cayou-Lockrem wondered "how creative kids will be to get around this."

The answer should present itself soon. School administrators hope fir cooperation.

"Yondr shares that it's a privilege for students to keep their phones during the day," said Tripp. "We'll reinforce that."

Deyo said the district is setting the pace across Skagit County in implementing a comprehensive student cell phone plan.

"The other districts in the county wish they were where we're going," she said, referring to the Yondr pouches.

"But they wish they could," Tripp said.

Clothier also announced Braves Day will be 1-4 p.m. Sept. 3. The first full instructional day is Sept. 4. The board has invited Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Senators and Chairman Steve Edwards to join them in greeting students on day one.

Cram, Clothier and Tripp represented the district at the La Conner Rotary dinner and auction at Maple Hall last Saturday, a fundraiser that club President Audrey Gravley said Monday afternoon generated just over $90,000 for various service projects, including those devoted to education and literacy.

On another note, Deyo said she had heard "really positive things" about La Conner's summer school in general and weeklong kindergarten jumpstart program in particular. Deyo said kindergarten jumpstart teacher Danielle Reynolds "did a great job."

"She was so good," said Deyo. "She got those kids ready for kindergarten."