Electronic Device Policy
Greetings Mark Twain Middle School Community,
I want to let you know about an important school policy change taking place starting this school year. All personal electronic devices are to be “Off and Away for the Day.” This is a change from previous years when teachers set individual policies within their classrooms and students were permitted to use cell phones and personal electronic devices before classes started. Under this new policy, students observed using a device will have that device confiscated by a teacher, grade-level administrator or safety and security personnel. The device can be picked up by the student’s parent/legal guardian from 2:30 – 4:45 pm in Twain’s B-Wing office.
As a technology forward school, Twain wants to promote appropriate digital citizenship. Our school staff has overwhelmingly agreed that this consistent schoolwide policy will help students be more present and engaged in their learning. The intent is to support students in their academic success by removing a major distraction and promoting face to face social interaction and connection. Twain staff have observed that a cell phone on a desk, even when in use as a research tool, still provides too tempting a distraction. When it dings or buzzes, the minds of even the most conscientious student wanders. Studies tell us that it can take a brain up to ten minutes to reengage after responding to cell phone distractions. Phones are not only distractions for their owners but also are distracting for teachers and classmates. Students we interviewed as a part of this process, confirmed these assertions, albeit begrudgingly.
For new students, this is likely not a change from your elementary school policy. Parents, please help to promote this policy by reminding your students to turn their phones off when they enter the building and place them in their lockers during the school day. If you need to contact your student, please call Twain at (703) 313-3700 and ask to speak with your student’s counselor or grade level administrator. The contract below will need to be signed and returned as part of the Tiger Fest forms.
If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Charles Miller
Principal
Electronic Device Contract
Tiger Fest 2019
Wednesday, August 21
Please join us for our annual Mark Twain Middle School Tiger Fest!
This will be an opportunity for students and parents to pick up class schedules, obtain locker combinations, practice opening lockers, as well as complete other tasks such as purchasing a PE uniform, joining the PTA, visiting the clinic to drop off medication, buying Twain spirit wear, reloading your lunch accounts and asking any questions prior to the start of school.
Tiger Fest Schedule
You are invited to attend according to the following schedule:
3:00-3:45 pm: 8th Grade Last Name A-L
4:00-4:45 pm: 8th Grade Last Name M-Z
5:15-6:00 pm: 7th Grade Last Name A-L
6:15-7:00 pm: 7th Grade Last Name M-Z
Tiger Fest Forms
Form #1 will be picked up at Tiger Fest in Gym 1. Prior to arriving at Tiger Fest, please print out and complete forms #3-7 at home. The forms will be found on Twain’s webpage at www.fcps.edu/TwainMS starting on the week of August 5th.
- Emergency Care Form (Pick-up at Tiger Fest)
- SR&R Agreement
- Health Information Form
- After School Registration Form
- SOL Re-Take Permission Form
- Online Resource Permission Form
- Electronic Device Policy
Please complete, sign, and submit all forms to receive your student’s class schedule and locker combination.
Are you going to miss Tiger Fest?
Don’t panic! Feel free to stop by Mark Twain’s main office between 10am-2pm on one of the following days - Thursday, August 22, Friday, or August 23.
Can’t make any of these dates? Still, don’t panic! Forms will be collected throughout the first week of school.
Summer Assignment Help Sessions
Do you need help with your summer reading and/or math assignments? Do you just want a space to complete them? Join us on Tuesday, August 20 and/or Thursday, August 22, from 4-6 pm at Twain MS, for our Summer Assignment Help Sessions!
We will have paper copies of the assignment, if needed. If you have questions about this event, please email Sarah Thompson smthompson1@fcps.edu.
|
