Cell phones will be prohibited at Coronado Middle School beginning this August.
After an hour-long discussion on April 16 weighing two options to restrict smart devices, trustees of the Coronado Unified School District unanimously approved a bell-to-bell cell phone ban at Coronado Middle School.
As approved, the policy introduces lockable bags at Coronado Middle School, restricts personal smart devices at both elementary schools throughout the school day, and restricts personal smart devices during instructional time at the high school.
The new policy comes after the district was sued over alleged bullying at the middle school campus.
When the board reviewed and narrowed down options last month, school Principal Brooke Falar said she supports a ban on cell phones at the campus, noting it can create a safer environment and an even better culture at the school site.
The board also considered a bell-to-bell cell phone ban using lockable pouches at Coronado High School, but chose not to implement that option.
“Everyone is in consensus that we need to do something about cell phones … but I think in the meantime we need more information,” said Coronado High School junior Ella Mathis after the vote.
Lockable pouch
The lockable bags at Coronado Middle School will cost the district approximately $25,000.
According to the district, every middle school student will be issued a magnetic, wireless blocking pouch to lock their devices upon arrival and to be kept in backpacks all day.
Students will be allowed to unlock their pouch when they leave campus at the end of the academic day or for an excused appointment. According to the policy, to unlock the pouch students will touch it to “one of the many magnetic openers strategically placed throughout the campus.”
Parents and guardians looking to communicate with their child are encouraged to call the school’s office at (619) 522-8921 for time-sensitive messages or in case of an emergency.
The report says students who do not lock cell phones in pouches will be sent to the administration.
“Administration will hold onto the smartphone and/or device until the end of the day, at which time it will be returned to the parent/guardian at pick-up,” says the policy. “In the case of progressive violations, administrative action will be enforced and consequences dispensed in accordance with the Discipline Action Guide for students who violate this protocol.”
Before the vote, Superintendent Karl Mueller recommended the Coronado Middle School ban, but not the option that also would have prohibited cell phones at the high school.
“This board will always have the opportunity to pivot and to direct staff to increase or pull back on policy,” said Mueller.
In other matters
- The district’s teachers of the year are: Lisa Kinzel (Silver Strand Elementary School), Ashlee Phair (Village Elementary School), Ramona Loiselle (Coronado Middle School), Michelle Walker (Coronado High School) and Katie Quinly (CUSD Adult Transition Program and District Teacher of the Year).
- The board approved a business services contract award to A&S Flooring for renovations of flooring in classrooms at Village Elementary and Silver Strand Elementary School over summer break at a cost of $99,945.
- The board initiated and will continue discussions about adding a second student representative according to Board Bylaw 9150.
The next regular board meeting is set for 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 at the district office.
