Hello HMS Families!
We have had a great start to the 2023-2024 school year. The students, for the most part, have settled into a routine and we are carrying out The Blue and Gold Way! That said, I am sending this email to reiterate our cell phone policy at HMS.
Cell phones have been, and continue, to be a large distraction for us. Issues have developed with social media, classroom distractions, academic distractions, and misuse in the hallways and bathrooms.
Therefore, we continue to use our cell phone "parking lots" that are hanging in the classrooms in a secure area of the room. We continue with the following procedures as well.
1. Phones must be turned off during the school day.
2. Parking Lot - Students will place her/his phone in a numbered pocket that corresponds with a number assigned to each student. Student phones will be in sight at all times while they are in the classroom.
3. Students will remove their phone from the pocket at the end of the hour. This procedure is followed in each class, including Specials.
4. If cell phones are being used throughout the day, they are turned into the office.
Parents if you need to reach your child(ren) during the day, or leave a message, please call Ms. Emmons at 618-233-1054 Ext. 501. We will ensure communication is made with your child.
Please talk with your child(ren) about our procedures. As you can imagine, cell phones and social media have taken too much time away from student learning. Unfortunately, phones have already caused multiple negative issues this school year. We need your support to help with this distraction. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Beth A. Horner