Letter from the superintendent – Important changes to personal digital device use
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As New Westminster Schools continues to embrace the use of technology to support learning, we also recognize the importance of maintaining a focused and safe learning environment for our children. The focused and safe learning environment consideration of technology use has been recently reinforced by provincial guidelines and legislation. With this in mind, we would like to share some updates regarding the use of personal digital devices (PDDs) such as cell phones, tablets, smart watches, earbuds, and other electronic gadgets within our schools.
Recent Developments: On January 26th, 2024, the Province announced three actions aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of students concerning digital technology. These measures include guidelines on the use of PDDs in schools, which will be implemented in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
Why This Matters: Studies indicate that constant interruptions from digital devices, particularly social media alerts, along with the habit-forming nature of these platforms and the increase in cyberbullying, can disrupt the learning process and affect student welfare.
Our Current Stance: While our school district already has established expectations restricting PDD use during class, we will now uniformly apply these expectations across all schools, as directed by the Province and our Board of Education. Students with specific educational or medical needs outlined in their Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Learning Support Plan (LSP) will continue to use PDD’s to support their educational or medical needs.
Technology in Education: Our students have access to school-owned devices like Chromebooks and iPads that we utilize to enrich learning experiences and foster responsible digital citizenship.
New Guidelines for September 2024
Elementary Schools: At our elementary schools there is no student access to or use of personal digital devices at any time on the school campus during the school day. This is essentially a “bell-to-bell” restriction from the beginning of school to the end of the day. Parents are reminded that elementary students are always under direct supervision and that the school will communicate with home for any emergent need that arises.
Middle School Programs: At our middle schools student access to, and the use of personal digital devices will not be permitted during instructional time. At the teacher’s discretion, an exemption may be made when the use of such devices supports a specific curricular objective and is part of instructional planning. These schools will follow up with further information for their school communities.
High School Programs: At our high schools’ student access to, and the use of personal digital devices will not be permitted during instructional time. At the teacher’s discretion, an exemption may be made when the use of such devices supports a specific curricular objective and is part of instructional planning. These schools will follow up with further information for their school communities.
Security & Storage: Please note that students are responsible for the security of their devices. The school cannot be held liable for lost, damaged, or stolen items. If necessary, students should secure their devices in lockers or other safe places.
Staying in Touch: If you need to contact your child during school hours, please call the main office.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to create the best possible educational environment for our students. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out.
Sylvia Russell
Interim Superintendent