Coronado Middle School Principal Brooke Falar reports a successful rollout of the secure cell phone pouches for hundreds of students one month into the school year.
“I was a little worried at the beginning. ‘How is this going to work?’” said Falar during her annual report to the Coronado Unified District School board on Sept. 10. “It’s amazing. So, we started with the rollout early in July. We started sending letters to families.”
According to the letter, students picked up an assigned “numbered secure, locking, signal-blocking bag” through Generation Faraday Max-Lock Bags in the days leading up to the first day of school.
With the new cell phone policy, students can use phones before and after school, but must store their smart devices in pouches and keep them stored away.
Disciplinary actions for intentional damage to phone bags are outlined with consequences such as further device restrictions and detention.
According to Falar, enforcement began by the second week of school. So far, she said, there have been nine first offenses by eighth graders.
Falar reports teachers described the new policy as effective in a survey. Included in Falar’s report were teacher comments of undistracted social connectedness and instructional time.
Falar told the board students are still allowed to use computers after a 20-minute device-free period during lunch. According to Falar, students use their computers to access online curriculum.
Falar said the pouches have been really great for the students and for the culture of Coronado Middle School.
“Overall, I’ve just seen less anxiety and a more positive vibe with all of our students on campus,” she added.
Superintendent Karl Mueller said the district’s technology audit is assessing current uses of technology to ensure purposeful and intentional use. He said staff will provide quarterly updates to the governing board and ultimately present and adopt a comprehensive educational technology plan.
“We are going to begin this audit as soon as the end of this month,” said Mueller. “…We’re going to reach out to our students, we’re going to reach out to our staff and really just get a sense of ‘When are we using technology in our classrooms and why? What is the educational value attached to that?’”
The next regular board meeting is set for 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the district office.
