To: Students/Parents/Guardians

From: Carmen Alessi

Subject: Cell phones and other PED’s

Date: September 5, 2017

Welcome to the 2017-18 school year. I look forward to a great year with you as we explore the challenges and rewards of learning Spanish. There is something, however, that I want to make clear from the very beginning.

It is increasingly common for students to carry their cell phones and other personal electronic devices (PED’s) everywhere they go. This practice has a very specific set of rules, policies and limitations as stated in the student handbook (see Student Handbook pp.33-35 item R). Teachers have discretion to decide if and when PED’s may be used in their classrooms. It is against my classroom rules to have a PED and/or earbuds unless properly turned off and deposited in the pocket caddy provided. I believe that students need to focus their full attention on the task at hand. While we may use these devices on occasion as part of the instructional process, it is only then that students will be authorized to have them in class. The rest of the time, students will be required to deposit their PED’s in the designated safe area. The hanging pocket caddy has been placed in the front of the classroom. Each student will have an assigned pocket and will be required to deposit the cellphone (turned OFF) as they enter the room. This will keep the PED safe and in plain view of the owner. PED’s must be put safely away and turned off before class begins and earbuds must be kept out of sight. Students may NOT have their earbuds hanging from their necks and may not collect their PED’s until the bell signals the end of class.

Please understand that it is not a matter of simply having your cell phone on “silent”. If you have your cell phone with you, it must be put away in the designated pocket, and be turned off. Parents/guardians must be aware that when they text their children during school hours, they are forcing the student to break the rules and may be subjecting them to disciplinary procedures. Please know that any important/emergency message should be called in to the office, and they will deliver it promptly.

These and all the other rules will be strictly enforced. Please certify receipt of this message by signing and returning the stub below. Thank you.

Student Name ____________________________________ Student ID # _____________________

Class: __________________________________________ Period# _________________________

I certify that I received and read Sra. Alessi’s memo on the rules regarding cell phones and other PED’s. I understand the consequences attached to violating these rules.

_________________________________ ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature

Date: ____________________________