Cell Phones and DAEP Addressed
At a board workshop this week, MISD trustees reviewed changes to the student handbook for the 2024-2025 school year. As Montgomery ISD students return to school on Thursday, August 15, 2024, there will be a new policy regarding cell phone use on campuses.
“There is ample research available providing valuable insight into the challenges that cell phone use presents to students, teachers, and administrators. After spending the spring listening to teachers, parents, and students, it is clear that we are facing many of those same challenges in Montgomery ISD. Cell phones create a distraction that hinders student learning and academic performance, negatively impacts student discipline, leads to instances of academic dishonesty, and unfortunately provides opportunities for cyber bullying,” Superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin said. “It is our responsibility to ensure that our learning environments provide students and teachers with the best possible opportunity to succeed. Our classroom teachers need help competing with the distractions posed by cell phones, and we believe this policy is a step in the right direction toward reclaiming the learning environment.”
Students in Montgomery ISD will be allowed to have cell phones on campus. However, they are expected to be “away for the day” in backpacks, lockers, or vehicles and turned off to prevent distractions. The cell phone policy update applies to all classrooms, hallways, restrooms, cafeterias, and any other school property during the school day.
Teachers and school staff will monitor and enforce the policy. Students found in violation of the policy will face disciplinary consequences including phone confiscation, detention, and parental notification.
“As a board, we are confident the new guidelines will limit distractions and disruptions to the learning process, which are often caused by cell phone usage,” Montgomery ISD Board President Dr. Matt Fuller said. “This new expectation empowers our staff to focus on providing engaging instruction and provides academic and social benefits to our students.”
Parents are encouraged to contact the school office in case of emergencies or urgent matters. The school will promptly relay urgent messages to students and ensure they can contact their parent/guardian if needed.
“We understand that in today’s society, our ability to stay connected and communicate with our children provides an incredible sense of comfort for parents,” Ruffin said. “Our goal is to ensure effective lines of communication are available for parents and they feel more confident in the safety, security, and overall well-being of their child.”
This updated cell phone policy aligns with MISD’s 1:1 use of technology in the learning environment. In MISD, every student has access to a district-issued device; they can engage with technology and blended learning without needing their own device.
Parents will receive information about the policy change via email and are encouraged to talk with their children about the new guidelines before the start of school.
Trustees also heard updates to the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP). DAEP is a program adopted by local policy for students in elementary through high school who violate the Student Code of Conduct and are removed from their regular classes and placed in a DAEP.
“DAEP was identified last spring as an area where we need to align our practices to better support our students and staff and ultimately promote an effective discipline management program,” Ruffin said. “Ensuring disciplinary consistency across Montgomery ISD schools is critical. This update will clarify the parameters of a DAEP placement and expectations for students and staff members.”
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