BELL TO BELL NO CELL

Over the past several years, we have prioritized students' mental health and well-being, knowing that students learn best when they feel safe both physically and emotionally. Our Bell To Bell No Cell rule requires all students to put their phones and earbuds away and out of sight during all class periods in order to ensure that instructional time is maximized and to promote a positive learning environment for all students.

Research has shown that 97% of students use their personal devices for non-academic purposes, resulting in disruptions to their learning and potentially their classmates' learning. In fact, the average student receives more than 200 notifications per day, more than 1/4 of which occur during school hours. Excessive phone use can increase anxiety, depression, and vulnerability to potential cyberbullying while decreasing social interaction and physical activity. In addition to the mental health benefits, there are significant academic benefits as well. School districts that have implemented similar policies have reported up to 35% increases in grades, test performance, and academic success.

Bell To Bell No Cell still allows students to access their devices between classes and during lunch. Our aim is to lessen distractions in our classrooms and decrease the stress students report due to the expectation to read and/or reply to text messages, social media posts, group chats, etc., when they are trying to focus on learning.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

The New Castle County Vocational Technical School District embraces the use of technology and its effective and acceptable use by students during the school day. Students are permitted to possess electronic devices, such as cell phones, tablets, and audio-video devices, during the school day as specified. Communicative devices are permitted to be used before school, during lunches, and after school. Each school will thoroughly explain the policy and the procedures established by their administration. The school will not be responsible for loss or theft of items that are not in the school’s possession. The administration and staff will have full discretion to allow or deny the use of electronic devices during the school day, especially within the classrooms. The unauthorized or inappropriate use of any communicative devices may result in disciplinary action(s). This includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized recording and/or posting online of audio, video, or still image files. The administration reserves the right to confiscate the device if it becomes a continual disruption to the educational environment.

It is our expectation that students respect the rights of others and use their electronic device in a respectful manner and adhere to the policy. For the full Acceptable Use Policy, please click the link below.