MHS Personal Technology Device (PTD) Policy

Dear Mustang High School Families,

To foster a more focused and productive learning environment, Mustang Public Schools is implementing a new Personal Technology Device (PTD) policy for the upcoming school year.

Key Points of the New Policy:

• 9th-12th Grade:
  • PTDs are permitted only during lunch, passing periods, and before/after school.
  • PTDs include but are not limited to laptops, computers, tablets, cell phones, smartphones, smart watches, ear pods, or headphones.
  • Devices primarily for gaming and portable speakers are expressly prohibited.
• General Guidelines:
  • Students may carry PTDs in their backpacks, but they must be turned off during non-approved times.
  • PTDs may be used with campus management platforms or other school software.
  • Possession of PTDs is a privilege and may be revoked if the policy is violated.
  • The school is not responsible for any theft or damage to PTDs and is not obligated to investigate any loss or damage.

Consequences for Policy Violations:

• 1st Violation: Warning issued by the teacher;
• 2nd Violation: Warning issued by the teacher, detention assigned, parent notified;
• 3rd Violation: Student referred to the office, parent must pick up the device;
• 4th Violation: Parent pick-up, ISI for 3 days;
• 5th Violation: Parent pick-up, ISI for 5 days, loss of PTD privilege.

We understand the important role that technology plays in our students' lives and education. This policy aims to strike a balance between necessary communication and minimizing distractions. In fact, many of our schools have been practicing something very similar to this in previous years with great success; this is just a standardization of that practice for all schools.  If you would like to read more about why this decision was made or see the specific plan for Mustang High School, please see the sections at the end of this message.  Thank you in advance for your support in maintaining a productive learning environment.

Your involvement is crucial in fostering a focused and supportive learning environment for our students. By encouraging adherence to our PTD policy, you can help your child disconnect from their devices and fully participate in classroom activities. This will lead to better academic performance, enhanced mental well-being, and improved social interactions. These benefits are the foundation for this policy.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in making these important changes.  It is our honor to partner with you to ensure your child’s success, and as always, we appreciate your support of Mustang Public Schools.

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THE WHY

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Mustang Public Schools recognizes the positive impact technology can have in schools.  MPS adopted a PTD Policy starting with the 2013-2014 school year.  The policy allowed students to bring personally owned devices to school to be utilized to help enhance their instructional experience.  However, over time we have seen the negative impacts that personal devices can also have on the student, classroom and the school community.  Many students are distracted and some are misusing the device which further takes away from their education. Research has consistently shown that the presence of cell phones in schools leads to increased distractions and discipline issues, which detract from the educational experience.

A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology revealed that students who are exposed to mobile phone use in the classroom are more likely to experience a decrease in academic performance and attention. The researchers found that even the mere presence of a mobile phone can reduce cognitive capacity and attentiveness. A report from Common Sense Media highlighted that excessive use of mobile devices can lead to increased anxiety and lower self-esteem among students, which negatively impacts their overall academic performance and well-being. The study also noted that students who use their phones frequently during class time are more likely to report feelings of anxiety and depression. A study by the Pew Research Center indicated that cell phone distractions are a significant contributor to classroom management problems. 

Teachers have reported that the constant checking of phones and engagement with social media disrupts the flow of lessons and hinders student engagement and participation.

In MPS, we have observed an increase in disruptions and disciplinary incidents directly related to the misuse of PTDs. These incidents range from cheating during exams to inappropriate social media 

use and cyberbullying. By eliminating or limiting the use of these devices during school hours for our students, we aim to create a more focused and supportive learning environment conducive to student success.

Middle School students will be allowed to utilize PTD’s up to 5 minutes prior to school starting and once school dismisses for the regular scheduled school day.  Outside of those times Middle School students may need access to PTD’s for communication with parents in regards to before and after school programs including practices, rehearsals, meetings, etc. For our high school students, while we recognize the importance of technology in their education and personal lives, we believe that limited access to PTDs will help strike a balance between necessary communication and minimizing distractions. Many of our High School students are involved in other programs outside the regular classroom setting including, but not limited to; concurrent enrollment, Career Tech, service learning, internships, work, etc. therefore we feel that many of them need access to their devices. We are also trying to help prepare them for their next steps, whether that is college, career tech, military, or work force. 

As we begin the 24-25 school year we have 1:1 (one to one) devices for students to utilize for their education.  Every student grades 5-12 are provided with a chromebook, whereas grades 2-12 and PreK-1st have access to an iPad. MPS is also implementing Classwize on all school owned devices that will be used by students.  Classwize is a powerful tool designed to enhance the learning experience and ensure a safe, productive classroom environment. Classwize allows teachers to monitor and manage student activity on digital devices in real-time, providing visibility into what students are working on and enabling timely support and intervention. The program will allow teachers screen monitoring, website blocking, and real-time alerts. Classwize helps keep students focused on their educational tasks while safeguarding them from potential online distractions and dangers. This fosters a more engaged and secure learning environment but also empowers teachers to maximize instructional time and effectiveness. We believe Classwize will be an invaluable asset to our educational community, supporting our commitment to providing a high-quality and safe learning experience for all students.

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Mustang High School
Personal Technology Device Policy

All cell phone/PTD practices at Mustang High School will follow Mustang Public School district policy #2140. All practices/policies apply to all students and to all non-school issued technology devices. PTDs include but are not limited to laptops, computers, tablets, cellular phones, smart phones, smart watches, ear pods, or headphones. Devices whose primary purpose is gaming and portable speakers are expressly prohibited at all times.

Cell phones/PTDs are allowed:

• During lunch, passing periods, and before/after school
• To be used only by the student to whom it belongs.
• For use with any campus management platforms (e.g., Minga, etc.)

*Any of the information contained herein may be revised at administration's discretion.

*Cell phone/PTD use in any one instance does not grant permission for other situations.

Cell phones/PTDs are NOT allowed (must be off and inside backpack):

• In the classroom.
• To be used to photograph or record another student or staff member without permission (includes buses).
• In any manner that causes a disruption to the school day for any student or staff member.
• To access inappropriate material while on school property.
• To be used to bully, harass, threaten, intimidate, or otherwise tease another student.
• To violate any portion of the student handbook and/or Student Code of Conduct.

Standard consequences of violation of school cell phone/PTD policy (actual consequences may vary due to severity of the violation):

• 1st violation: teacher issues a warning
• 2nd violation: teacher issues warning, assigns detention, notifies parent
• 3rd violation: student referred to office, parent must pick-up device
• 4th violation: parent pick-up device and ISI 3 days
• 5th violation: parent pick-up device, ISI 5 days, and loss of PTD privilege
• Subsequent infractions will result in out of school suspension.

*These consequences apply to the incidents per student and not incidents per PTD.

*School administration has the discretion to alter the consequences when necessary. 

Possession of a cell phone/PTD on school campus is a privilege, and may be revoked at any time by the administration for violating this school policy regarding such possession. Furthermore, I understand that the school and its employees are in no way responsible for any theft or damage of my cell phone/PTD while on school grounds. The school is not obligated to investigate the loss or damage of any cell phone/PTD. 

*Any deviation from this plan will be at the discretion of school administration. 

 

The MPS Policy & Procedure Manual, along with the Student Handbook, wil be updated in the coming days to reflect these changes.