Cell PHone &

Electronic Device

Expectations

OUR GOAL:

Eliminate the use of personal electronics in class, facilitating an increase in student academic achievement and social engagement.

REASONING:

Personal electronic devices like smartphones have become an everyday part of our world, but this new technology has created some troubling side effects.  It has become increasingly clear that cell phones have a detrimental impact on student learning and peer relationships during class time and beyond. We have looked at current research, received input from staff, students and parents, and consulted with other schools and districts who are also navigating this significant challenge.  

Please reference some of the academic impact research we used to guide our decision making at the ‘Away for the Day’ website found

New expectations:

OCHS will be joining our middle schools in their focus on all students being engaged in learning while in class. The new OCHS cell phone expectations are:

  • Phones are required to be in the designated classroom storage or away in the student’s backpack during class time. This means not in their pockets and also includes any type of headphones, or other accessories that would be connected to the cell phone.  

  • This expectation applies during class time (Bell to Bell) in classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, cafeteria, and common spaces.  

  • Students may use their device before/after school, during passing time, and lunch; or if it is required as part of a specific 504 or IEP accommodation that is backed by a medical and or professional documentation specifically listing the necessity and specific uses that are required by the electronic device. 

OCHS administration and staff are fully committed to this change.  We know a change for parents and/or guardians will be them potentially not receiving an instant response to a message sent to their student during the school day. Please know if you have an emergency, a call to the OCHS main office will facilitate the necessary communication with your student.  We thank you for your support of this change and hope you will have conversations with your student(s) about this so that they know what to expect when school begins in the Fall of 2024.

OCHS Administrative Team

Greg Timmons - Head Principal
Ryan Renwick - Assoc. Principal 9th Grade
Lindsey Lieber - Dean of Students 10th Grade
Heidi Garcia - Assoc. Principal 11th Grade
Kelly Myers - Assoc. Principal 12th Grade