Preparing for pre-Labor Day

“I can’t wait to see them talking to each other at lunchtime,” enthused school board member Terry Engel during the Aug. 17 meeting of the NRHEG school board.

 

Engel was responding to Secondary School Principal Grant Berg’s explanation of the cell phone policy for the coming school year: “They will be asked not to bring their cell phones into the school,” said Berg. “But since we know that’s not going to happen, the rule is no cell phone use during the day, unless necessary for a class.

 

“And we’re going to be the ones who determine what’s ‘necessary.’”

 

In response to Engel’s question, Berg had said yes, “during the school day” included over lunch in the cafeteria.

 

Cell phone expectations in grades 6 to 8, he summarized, remain what they have been the past couple of years: no cell phone use in school. Berg commented that reports of negative postings on social media had reduced dramatically when the middle school “no use” policy was implemented.

 

At the high school level, social media postings were not an issue, but student distraction and intercommunication, with a chance of cheating as well were persistent problems.

 

Berg admitted adjustments will likely be needed if students use their phones to control a medical device, or if a family situation calls for the student to be easily accessible. His intent is to be thorough in enforcing the rule while leaving room for some flexibility.

 

Enforcement will be simplified, he noted, by the school-wide camera system, and by the redesigned “commons” area where the majority of high school lockers are located. Formerly situated in rows near the center of the space, lockers now line the walls, allowing for a much more open view across the area.

 

Now carpeted, the center area under a large skylight is peppered with tables and chairs along with a few easy chairs for small gatherings and conversation.

 

Berg commented on how appealing the space now appears. The public will have a chance to wander through and have a look during an open house scheduled on Aug. 27 from 2 to 8 p.m. Modeled after last year’s similar event, the open house is set up to to allow parents to attend with their children. Berg said the open house will offer “a hot dog meal” as well as the chance to tour the building, meet teachers, locate lockers and drop off school supplies, and complete paperwork. Special meetings will inform parents regarding upcoming events or circumstances particular to their child, for example members of the senior class or participants in band. 

 

Elementary principal Dr. Kimberly Meyer also summarized some of the upcoming activities at the elementary site. “Day 1” has been in use there for some time, with parents encouraged to accompany their children to school, meet teachers, and find out about upcoming events.

 

Meyer also stated families will be asked to donate toward a revamped “healthy snacks” program, which provides  food for students to munch on during the school day.  School board member Kelly DeLacruz offered the idea that, in addition to asking families for support, the site might approach the Parent Teacher Organization or other groups which might take an interest.

 

In action items for the evening, school board members approved the handbooks covering expectations at the elementary and secondary sites, for students taking part in activities, and regarding cell phone use.

 

New teacher orientation took place Aug. 17 and 18. The start of the year teacher work days were from Aug. 25 to 27.