Summit Schools Begin New Year With Updated Electronic Device Policies

SUMMIT, NJ - As students in Summit are returning to schools this week, new procedures are being enforced meant to clarify expectations for electronic device usage throughout the day.

Policy 5516, establishing the limited use of cell phones, cameras, radios and other electronic communication devices (ECD), was adopted in 2010, and has had multiple revisions approved over the last 15 years. The term "electronic communication device" applies more broadly to any item that has the capability to audio or video record, and/or receive or send any type of communication to others.

Prior to this latest revision, Board of Education President Melanie Cohn says expectations were not consistent enough and in need of a clearer framework for addressing unpermitted usage. Under the Regulation presented at the August Board of Education meeting, permissions are now further regulated by grade level. Certain exceptions, such as when devices are used to address health conditions with prior clearance from the principal and school nurse, are not affected.

When asked by Patch regarding what led to this revision, Board President Melanie Cohn points to "a careful review of recent practices in our district." She says the Board is also "mindful of the ongoing local and national conversations about devices in schools, and we believe this revision strengthens our ability to support student learning and maintain an environment free from unnecessary distractions."

Elementary (Pre-K through Grade Five) students are prohibited from using an electronic communication device (ECD) anywhere on school grounds during the school day. This includes, but is not limited to, during before and after school programs, during any co-curricular activity, and on a school bus.

Middle School (Grades Six through Eight) students' use of ECD’s will be limited during the school day. Devices must be stored in lockers.

High School (Grades Nine through 12) students' use of ECD’s will be limited during the school day. Devices must be stored while class is in session.

Allowed ECD use:

• At lunch time
• At study hall
• At times approved by the teacher for instructional purposes
• During passing time between classes
• Before and after school while in the building

Kids enrolled in Pre-K through Grade Eight who choose to bring devices to school must have them turned off and passcode-protected. It also must remain in a locker or backpack during the school day.

Parents across all schools who need to reach students for an emergency are asked to contact the main office. Students can request approval from a teaching staff member should they need to visit the main office to make an outgoing emergency call.

Those who violate the regulation will be disciplined on a grade-level basis, depending also on the number of accumulated offenses.

Summit Public Schools Communications Officer Laurene Dickinson says the procedures are already being enforced across all schools, and will be officially approved for second reading at the Board's meeting in September.

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