Waitsburg Secondary Students, Parents, and Families:
I hope you have had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to the start of another great school year. As we prepare to welcome students back to Waitsburg Secondary School, I want to share an important change that will take effect beginning on the first day of school.
At Waitsburg Secondary School, one of our primary goals is to maximize every minute of instructional time while helping students build meaningful relationships and fully engage in their learning. We believe students are most successful when classrooms are focused, respectful, and free from unnecessary distractions.
After thoughtful discussion and careful consideration, Waitsburg Secondary School will be implementing a new expectation regarding student cell phones and personal electronic devices during the school day.
This decision was not made lightly. Like many schools across Washington and throughout the nation, we have seen the growing impact that personal cell phones can have on student learning, classroom engagement, and face-to-face interaction. While technology certainly has an important place in education, personal cell phones have increasingly become a source of distraction during the school day.
Schools across Washington and the nation are adopting similar expectations as they work to reduce distractions, improve student engagement, and maximize instructional time. After reviewing current research and discussing this as a staff and the school board, we believe this change is in the best interest of our students and our school community.
Our goal is simple: to create the best possible learning environment for every student. We want students engaged in classroom discussions, collaborating with their peers, building relationships, and focusing on learning without the constant interruptions that personal electronic devices can create.
What Will Change?
Beginning on the first day of school:
During the school day, students may not possess a cell phone or personal electronic device on their person.
All devices must be turned off or placed on silent and stored in a backpack, locker, or other school-approved location from the first bell until dismissal.
If a personal electronic device is found on a student's person or is seen by a staff member during the school day, it will be considered a violation of school expectations regardless of whether the device is being used. Statements such as "I was just checking the time" or "I wasn't using it" do not change the expectation.
Consequences
First Violation
The device will be taken to the school office.
The student may retrieve the device at the end of the school day.
Second and Subsequent Violations
The device will be taken to the school office.
A parent or legal guardian must retrieve the device from the school office.
Continued violations may result in additional disciplinary action in accordance with district policy.
Students who refuse to follow a staff member's directive regarding this policy may be subject to additional disciplinary action for refusing to comply with a reasonable staff request.
Staying Connected
We understand that parents may occasionally need to reach their child during the school day, and students may need to contact home. If that need arises, students may use the school office phone, and parents are encouraged to contact the school office. We will make sure messages are delivered promptly.
We recognize that this is a significant change for many students and families. During the first days of school, our staff will review these expectations with students and help them establish positive routines. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining a consistent expectation for all students.
This new expectation is not about taking something away from students. It is about giving them more opportunities to learn, participate, build relationships, and fully engage in the school experience. We believe this change will strengthen our classrooms, improve our school culture, and create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Thank you for your continued support of Waitsburg Secondary School. We are excited to partner with you as we begin another outstanding school year and look forward to welcoming our students back.
Go Cardinals!
Sincerely,
Joe Wirtzberger
Secondary Principal
Waitsburg Secondary School