LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. – The constant buzz and glow of cellphones have become a ubiquitous presence in high school classrooms, creating a significant distraction for both students and teachers.
The allure of social media, messaging apps, and online games can be hard to resist, leading to decreased focus and engagement in lessons.
To maintain a safe and focused learning environment, Land O’ Lakes High School is cracking down on the use of electronic devices and accessories during the school day.
Starting Monday, August 26th, the school will enforce the Pasco County Schools policy with stricter consequences.
“We are committed to maintaining a safe and focused learning environment at our school. As we begin to enforce the Pasco County Schools Policy regarding electronic devices and their accessories, the school’s administration has established clear procedures for handling these items,” said Ric Mellin – Principal of Land O’ Lakes High School, in an email to parents.
Read: Pasco Sheriff’s Office Searching For Missing Land O’ Lakes Teen
Initial Intervention:
If a student fails to comply with the policy:
- The student will be asked to hand over the device and/or accessories until the end of the day.
- The school will emphasize the importance of adhering to district policies regarding phone/accessory usage.
- The device and/or accessories will be returned after school from the main office.
Intervention Including Parent/Guardian Contact:
If the student continues to violate the policy:
- The school will follow the initial steps and contact the parent/guardian.
- The parent/guardian will be informed of the repeated infraction and the steps taken so far.
- Further consequences (such as loss of the privilege to have the device at school) will be discussed.
- The device and/or accessories will be returned to the student with another warning.
- Documentation will include a minor infraction report and details of the conversation with the parent/guardian.
Escalation with Parent/Guardian Involvement:
If the behavior persists:
- The school will contact the parent/guardian again, instructing them to pick up the phone.
- From this point forward, every instance will require the parent/guardian to retrieve the phone.
- The parent/guardian will be informed of the situation and potential consequences.
- Documentation will continue to track communication and agreements within a minor infraction report.
Discipline Referral:
If the student still violates the policy:
- A formal discipline referral will be issued.
- The student must immediately hand over the device and/or accessories.
- Additional disciplinary actions will follow as per the Student Code of Conduct.
- Loss of privileges will include participation in school events, practices, contests, parking, and bringing devices to school.
- Graduated consequences will apply based on the number of offenses.
General Guidelines:
- All interactions will be respectful and educational. We expect a polite interaction in return.
- Refusal to comply will lead to further escalation.
Studies have shown that cell phone use in the classroom negatively impacts academic performance. Students who are constantly checking their phones or engaging in off-task activities on their devices are less likely to retain information and perform well on assessments. Additionally, the presence of cell phones can create a sense of disconnection and disengagement from the learning environment.
Teachers often struggle to compete with the allure of technology, spending valuable time trying to redirect student attention back to the lesson at hand. The constant disruption not only hinders the learning process for the individual student but also disrupts the overall classroom dynamic.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.