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Dear Parents and Students,
We are writing to inform you about a significant change in state policy regarding cell phone use in schools, as well as an update on Quander Road School's cell phone policy for the 2024-2025 school year.
Statewide Cell Phone-Free Education Initiative
Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued Executive Order 33 to establish a cell phone-free learning environment in Virginia's K-12 public schools. This initiative aims to improve student health, safety, and academic performance by reducing distractions and addressing concerns related to social media and cell phone addiction.
Research suggests a strong link between excessive screen time and various negative outcomes among youth. By creating a cell phone-free learning environment, we hope to foster a more focused and supportive atmosphere for all students.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will be providing guidance to school districts on implementing cell phone-free policies, and we will be paying close attention to their guidance.
Quander Road School Cell Phone Policy
To support the state's initiative and create a more focused learning environment, Quander Road School will be implementing the use of Yondr cell phone pouches for students who demonstrate the need and/or by parent request. These pouches will secure students' phones during the school day, allowing them to fully engage in their learning.
- Selected students will be required to place their cell phones in a Yondr pouch at the beginning of each school day.
- Yondr pouches will remain locked during instructional time.
- Students will have access to their phones at designated times, as earned.
We believe that this approach will help to minimize distractions, improve classroom engagement, and create a more positive learning environment for all students.
In addition to the Yondr pouch policy, the following rules will also be enforced:
- Cell phones may only be used in class with explicit teacher permission for specific assignments or projects.
- Yondr pouches will be used during in school suspension or any type of in-school discipline.
Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, as outlined below:
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1st Violation: Verbal warning.
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2nd Violation: Verbal warning with notification of potential cell phone referral.
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3rd Violation: Cell phone referral.
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Two cell phone referrals in one day: Student must use the Yondr cell phone pouch for 5 consecutive school days. Days absent do not count.
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Continued Violations: Student will be required to use the Yondr cell phone pouch for the remainder of the quarter.
We understand that this change may require adjustments for both students and parents. We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work to create a healthier and more productive learning environment for all.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Ellen R. Glaser
Assistant Principal
Quander Road School
(703) 718-2400
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