School Cell Phone Policies and A Drone Shot
Cheers RVA!
Today will be partly cloudy with a high of 96. Expect thunderstorms in the evening with an 80% chance of precipitation.
the juice:
The Hanover County School board voted 6-1 to update their cell phone policy Tuesday night, on the same day that Governor Youngkin issued an executive order directing officials to issue guidance on cellphone-free education policies.
Hanover’s new policy states students should have their devices off the entire school day, whereas previously students were allowed to use their phones between classes and at lunch.
The new policy also provides stricter punishment for offenses, including requiring parents to come to school to pick up confiscated devices and detention/Saturday school for repeat offenders. Three time offenders would receive a day of in-school suspension.
The policy includes both phones and earbuds alike.
I love the idea of it, but I certainly can empathize with administration dealing with irate parents at pickup, assuming the policy is implemented as written.
Which brings up the biggest challenge in these policies: yes there is a school policy but how often is it actually enforced?
Richmond Public Schools implemented a cell phone ban pilot program with secure pouches for devices at 6 schools this past year.
RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras shared this quote with the RTD:
I often disagree with the Governor, but on this, I’m in total agreement.
We piloted a cellphone ban last year in some of our high schools and middle schools, and we saw more student engagement in class and fewer distractions throughout the day. On top of that, students reported spending more time talking with their peers. Cellphones are incredible tools, but our schools are better off without them.
The RPS director of safety John Beazley noted the difference in the pilot program across different age groups:
Middle school feedback is they really like it, they see kids more engaged.
The high school feedback is that the kids have found ways to get around (the pouches), they're doing devious stuff to hide their phones, and it’s become a lot of work for the administration.
Beazley also noted that all of the high schools in the pilot program opted to not continue it, whereas all the middle schools decided to continue with the policy.
I’m supportive of the Hanover County initiative and curious how it pans out.
the pulp:
Henrico County celebrated the unveiling of the initial 1400 feet of the Henrico section of the Fall Line Trail. “I know it does not seem like much, but this small section will safely connect pedestrians and cyclists to Bryan Park,” said Roscoe D. Cooper III, Henrico Board of Supervisors Representative, from 12 on your side
Richmond to get its first Sweetgreen restaurant from Mike Platania at Bizsense. The national restaurant will fill one of the last available suites at Carytown exchange. Platania notes the company was founded in 2006, went public in 2021 but has struggled to post a profit since.
the vibe:
A local reddit user posted this drone shot. Check out AirVA for more.
Have a great day RVA!
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