Madison’s Cell Phone Policy: We are seeing an increase of inappropriate technology use at Madison, especially with the 8th grade class. This includes students being on their cell phones in class, students wearing their AirPods or earbuds in class, and students using their laptops for non-school related tasks (e.g. watching YouTube, Netflix, etc.). If you need to get a message to your child right away, please call the main office at 252-9200 or wait to contact your child during their lunch time.
We’re also seeing students openly defy or disregard teacher requests to put their tech devices away – often on a daily basis, and sometimes after multiple reminders. Being told to put a cellphone away, remove AirPods or earbuds, or stop watching YouTube or Netflix, we hold to be reasonable and appropriate requests.
We understand that cell phones (and AirPods/earbuds) are ubiquitous in today’s world. And we recognize that many students have them. At Madison, we are trying to teach students the appropriate use of such tech. For example, being on a cell phone would not be appropriate in the middle of a job interview, or in a movie theater, or dining in a fine restaurant.
Madison’s tech policy is clear: students should only be using their laptops or cellphones for academic-related purposes or with the teacher’s permission. When class starts, all cellphones, AirPods, and earbuds should be put away, while laptops should only be accessed if part of the day’s lesson. Multiple violations of this policy will result in a phone call/email home and/or a parent conference. Repeated violations will also result in further action, including but not limited to: insisting that the student leave their tech in their locker, insisting that the tech be left at home, leaving the tech in a designated place in the classroom at the beginning of the period, and lunch or after-school detention. Your help is appreciated in reviewing these policies with your student.