Pittsfield Schools May See Tighter Cell Phone Policy
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Superintendent Joseph Curtis would like to see the district's cell phone policy tightened up after more than 6,000 violations were accrued during the last school year.
"I think that we do need to do a hard examination of that," he told the School Committee on Monday. "I think that we are in our first year making every attempt to give every student the benefit of the doubt, and family."
This could mean locked cell phone cases — Yondr cases — for middle and high school students or increased regulations.
A three-tiered response plan was approved about a year ago though the superintendent feels that it might be time to review it and lessen the number of warnings students are given "because we are clear about the expectation that cell phones not be used during instruction."
Having regulations that, in some cases, allow a student 10 attempts at using phones during prohibited times is not only sending the wrong message to students and families but is hard to keep track of, Curtis said.
Because of this, he wants to have a discussion with school leaders about reviewing and tightening the regulations. It has been referred to the subcommittee on social and emotional learning.
Data collected over the 2023-2024 school year showed a total of 6,358 districtwide referrals entered into the office discipline system. Reid Middle School had the highest number of violations, more than 2,200, Pittsfield High School had over 1,800, and Taconic High School had over 1,200.
Herberg Middle School had just more than 900 violations entered into the system.
The district's eight elementary schools had significantly lower amounts ranging from zero to 21. Curtis said the elementary-level leaders feel the policy has been effective.
Yondr pouches, which have grown in popularity as schools grapple with smartphone regulations, will cost around $125,000 to implement, which includes $95,000 for leasing and the rest in stipends for 30 faculty members at the middle and high schools who will perform morning lockups and unlocks at the end of the day.
"The initial costs are cheaper if you lease," Curtis explained. "And what's interesting is that the child actually takes possession of their case and brings it back and forth to school each day."
This triggered some giggles, as the district has a recent history of significant Chromebook damage when they were deployed for students to take home.
The company reportedly talks about additional support, free education, and taking possession of the phone if the case is not returned.
School Committee member William Garrity doesn't agree with the price, commenting that it comes to $30 per pouch.
"I think the prices, in my view, are completely outrageous," he said, adding that the district doesn't have the funding for it and should not proceed with this.
However, he is concerned that the policy may be too lenient on students and looks forward to discussion with the SEL subcommittee. The district hopes to start discussions in early August.
Sara Hathaway is "very hopeful" that they can come up with a solution and pointed out that the students need to be asked what would help them cooperate.
"As everybody knows, this is like a dog with a bone issue," she said.
"And it's partly because teachers have made it so clear that this is making it impossible for them to do their jobs and also because the data is so alarming about mental health issues and smartphone use, social media use in adolescence."
The policy review was sparked when teachers came to the committee in droves to speak about how cell phone use is out of control. They cited issues with excessive phone use disrupting education, social and emotional health, and safety.
Hathaway pointed to two upcoming events on Aug. 15 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum that discuss Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation." Haidt asserts that social media harms adolescents' mental health in socialization.
"I hope the students will see the value in this and realize that they will enjoy school more," Hathaway said.
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