A new year has begun and we are well on our way to a great start for all of our Unity Schools. We have seen different projects over the summer completed. Unity Elementary has their new playground addition completed. Unity High School has new gym doors which allow viewing of the gym and give the space a new and modern feel. At Unity Middle School we have a newly refinished and repaired gym floor after the water damage last year.
This year we have additional classes at the elementary in our continued efforts to maintain lower class sizes for our younger students. We now have three sections at every grade level K-4 at Unity Elementary and two PreK classrooms.
At Unity Middle School we are continuing with our House System approach to better serve our students academic, social, and emotional needs. It is our hope to be able to send some student leaders to the Ron Clark Academy. Our students will learn through interactive workshops about leadership, leadership theory, best practices, conflict resolution, leadership simulations, and more. We are excited for this opportunity for them.
We are very happy to have an international teacher join our high school staff. Mr. Joshua Servito comes from the Philippines and will be instructing some of our mathematics courses.
Unity Schools are looking to improve the learning atmosphere for our students by establishing a "No Phone Zone." Limiting phones in schools can have several advantages, including:
1. Reduced Distractions
Phones are a major source of distraction. Social media, texting, and games can pull students' attention away from learning. Banning phones allows students to focus more on lessons and classroom activities, leading to improved concentration and engagement.
2. Improved Academic Performance
With fewer distractions, students may perform better academically. Studies suggest that schools with phone bans often see an increase in test scores and overall academic achievement.
3. Encourages Social Interaction
Without phones, students are more likely to interact face-to-face, fostering communication skills, teamwork, and a sense of community. This can improve peer relationships and help build stronger social skills.
4. Limits Cyberbullying
Phones can facilitate cyberbullying through social media and messaging apps. Banning them during school hours reduces the likelihood of students using these platforms to bully or harass others, creating a safer school environment.
5. Reduces Cheating
Phones make it easier for students to cheat during exams by accessing answers or collaborating with others. A phone ban can help ensure academic integrity and fairness during assessments.
6. Improved Mental Health
Constant exposure to social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in young people. By reducing access to phones, schools may contribute to a healthier mental environment for students.
7. Promotes Physical Activity
Without phones, students might be more inclined to engage in physical activities during breaks, improving their overall health and reducing sedentary behavior associated with phone use.
8. Encourages Time Management and Responsibility
By limiting phone access, students may become more organized and responsible, learning to manage their time and resources effectively without relying on digital tools.
In summary, limiting phones in schools can create a more focused, interactive, and safer learning environment. I know some parents are still fearful in the event of an emergency. As part of our reassurance for parents who may have concerns CUSD #4 prioritizes student safety and there are alternative, reliable systems in place to ensure communication during critical situations. While we acknowledge your apprehensiveness we feel the broader benefits of a phone limit/ban for the students’ academic success and mental well-being are reasonable.
1. Emergency Protocols Are in Place
We already have well-established emergency procedures that prioritize student safety. These include immediate communication with parents through school-wide systems (like emails, texts, or calls), and teachers and staff are equipped to handle emergencies quickly and effectively without relying on student cell phones.
2. Access to Phones Can Be Allowed in Emergencies
Students may be allowed to access their phones if a real need arises, and staff can ensure communication with families during critical situations.
3. Schools Have Designated Communication Channels
Parents can be reassured that CUSD #4 provides reliable ways to communicate with their children during the day. School offices are always available to relay important messages, and students can use office phones to contact parents if necessary.
4. Safety Can Be Enhanced with a Phone Ban
While it may seem counterintuitive, having phones available during emergencies can sometimes create confusion. Students may spread misinformation or panic by posting on social media. A controlled communication process ensures that accurate and timely information is shared without causing undue alarm.
5. Promotes Focus on Safety Protocols
Without phones as a crutch, students are more likely to pay attention to school safety drills and follow teacher instructions during emergencies. This can foster better awareness of the safety protocols in place, ensuring they act appropriately in real situations.
6. Phones Are Not Always Reliable
In some emergency scenarios, phone networks may be overwhelmed or fail. Relying solely on phones for safety could be risky. Schools have secure communication systems that are more dependable in crises.
7. Limited Phone Is Still Be Permitted
CUSD #4 implemented a partial ban, where phones are restricted during class but allowed during lunch periods. This compromise allows students to check in with parents during non-instructional times, offering peace of mind while maintaining the benefits of reduced distractions.
8. Encourages Independence and Problem-Solving
Banning phones encourages students to become more independent and responsible. It helps them learn problem-solving skills, communicate directly with staff when needed, and rely less on their phones for immediate solutions.
We look forward to another successful year at the U!
Yours in education,
Supt. Scott Riddle
This year we have additional classes at the elementary in our continued efforts to maintain lower class sizes for our younger students. We now have three sections at every grade level K-4 at Unity Elementary and two PreK classrooms.
At Unity Middle School we are continuing with our House System approach to better serve our students academic, social, and emotional needs. It is our hope to be able to send some student leaders to the Ron Clark Academy. Our students will learn through interactive workshops about leadership, leadership theory, best practices, conflict resolution, leadership simulations, and more. We are excited for this opportunity for them.
We are very happy to have an international teacher join our high school staff. Mr. Joshua Servito comes from the Philippines and will be instructing some of our mathematics courses.
Unity Schools are looking to improve the learning atmosphere for our students by establishing a "No Phone Zone." Limiting phones in schools can have several advantages, including:
1. Reduced Distractions
Phones are a major source of distraction. Social media, texting, and games can pull students' attention away from learning. Banning phones allows students to focus more on lessons and classroom activities, leading to improved concentration and engagement.
2. Improved Academic Performance
With fewer distractions, students may perform better academically. Studies suggest that schools with phone bans often see an increase in test scores and overall academic achievement.
3. Encourages Social Interaction
Without phones, students are more likely to interact face-to-face, fostering communication skills, teamwork, and a sense of community. This can improve peer relationships and help build stronger social skills.
4. Limits Cyberbullying
Phones can facilitate cyberbullying through social media and messaging apps. Banning them during school hours reduces the likelihood of students using these platforms to bully or harass others, creating a safer school environment.
5. Reduces Cheating
Phones make it easier for students to cheat during exams by accessing answers or collaborating with others. A phone ban can help ensure academic integrity and fairness during assessments.
6. Improved Mental Health
Constant exposure to social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in young people. By reducing access to phones, schools may contribute to a healthier mental environment for students.
7. Promotes Physical Activity
Without phones, students might be more inclined to engage in physical activities during breaks, improving their overall health and reducing sedentary behavior associated with phone use.
8. Encourages Time Management and Responsibility
By limiting phone access, students may become more organized and responsible, learning to manage their time and resources effectively without relying on digital tools.
In summary, limiting phones in schools can create a more focused, interactive, and safer learning environment. I know some parents are still fearful in the event of an emergency. As part of our reassurance for parents who may have concerns CUSD #4 prioritizes student safety and there are alternative, reliable systems in place to ensure communication during critical situations. While we acknowledge your apprehensiveness we feel the broader benefits of a phone limit/ban for the students’ academic success and mental well-being are reasonable.
1. Emergency Protocols Are in Place
We already have well-established emergency procedures that prioritize student safety. These include immediate communication with parents through school-wide systems (like emails, texts, or calls), and teachers and staff are equipped to handle emergencies quickly and effectively without relying on student cell phones.
2. Access to Phones Can Be Allowed in Emergencies
Students may be allowed to access their phones if a real need arises, and staff can ensure communication with families during critical situations.
3. Schools Have Designated Communication Channels
Parents can be reassured that CUSD #4 provides reliable ways to communicate with their children during the day. School offices are always available to relay important messages, and students can use office phones to contact parents if necessary.
4. Safety Can Be Enhanced with a Phone Ban
While it may seem counterintuitive, having phones available during emergencies can sometimes create confusion. Students may spread misinformation or panic by posting on social media. A controlled communication process ensures that accurate and timely information is shared without causing undue alarm.
5. Promotes Focus on Safety Protocols
Without phones as a crutch, students are more likely to pay attention to school safety drills and follow teacher instructions during emergencies. This can foster better awareness of the safety protocols in place, ensuring they act appropriately in real situations.
6. Phones Are Not Always Reliable
In some emergency scenarios, phone networks may be overwhelmed or fail. Relying solely on phones for safety could be risky. Schools have secure communication systems that are more dependable in crises.
7. Limited Phone Is Still Be Permitted
CUSD #4 implemented a partial ban, where phones are restricted during class but allowed during lunch periods. This compromise allows students to check in with parents during non-instructional times, offering peace of mind while maintaining the benefits of reduced distractions.
8. Encourages Independence and Problem-Solving
Banning phones encourages students to become more independent and responsible. It helps them learn problem-solving skills, communicate directly with staff when needed, and rely less on their phones for immediate solutions.
We look forward to another successful year at the U!
Yours in education,
Supt. Scott Riddle
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