Good afternoon,

The feedback around our electronics policy has been overwhelmingly positive. We are seeing improved engagement in the classroom, quieter hallways and less traffic in the bathrooms during instructional time. We are seeing students exploring new ways to manage nervousness and anxiety rather than depending on a screen as a calming technique. Research is telling us that the screens are increasing anxiety not helping it. We are truly grateful to the staff and parent/caregiver community for supporting students as they transition to new strategies. Additionally, we are working through some challenges now that phones are no longer the go to for research. For example, we have purchased hard copy dictionaries and the thesauruses for the English department.

The book,  The Anxious Generation offers a sound rationale for why we believe this policy is important to the well-being of our students.

The continued success of the No Phones/Electronics during instructional time depends of consistency of expectations across the school and the support of our parent/caregiver community.  Thank you so much for the support you have shown to us so far this school year.

Below is a link to the policy:

• WSS Electronics Policy

Westview Secondary School Electronic Devices and Technology Policy

The staff at Westview collaboratively designed this policy as we are deeply concerned about the negative ramifications on learning we are witnessing among our students. The social media and communication apps electronic devices facilitate can be harmful to relationships and to learning, which are the two most important aspects of school. 

Policy

At Westview Secondary students are NOT permitted to use personal digital devices during instructional time. There may be situations when the school permits a student to use a personal digital device for inclusion and accessibility. Examples of those are digital literacy, communication, medical and health needs and as defined by an individual education plan.

Consequences for not following the expectations noted above are:

• 1st Breach – Parent will be contacted and phone will be held in the office until the end of the day.
• 2nd Breach – Parent will be contacted and phone will be held in the office until the end of the day.
• 3rd Breach- Parent/caregiver contacted and student is expected to keep phone at home for 5 school days.

How can you and your student connect during the day?

• The school office can take messages from parents/guardians and get those messages to you students. Additionally, students will be able to access their phones during the lunch period and after school.

Please reach out to Ken Elphick (ken_elphick@sd42.ca) with any comments or questions.