RHS - "BELL TO BELL, NO CELL" PERSONAL MOBILE DEVICE POLICY...

**NEW** - "BELL TO BELL, NO CELL" - Phones put in backpack/bag/purse OR Classroom Cubby

Rockville High School is committed to supporting student learning in a positive learning environment. As a reminder, during classroom/instructional time, cell phones, earpods, headphones, and other personal mobile devices must be put away in a backpack/bag/purse or classroom cubby.

Students may use their devices before and after school, during lunch, and during class transitions only. Again, personal mobile devices may NOT be used during classes or when in the hallways during the instructional period. Parents may contact their children during the designated time periods, or contact the main office if they need to speak with their child urgently. The ONLY EXCEPTIONS made to the policy will be for those students who have documented health concerns.

WHY Bell to Bell, No Cell?

  • To Improve Focus and Attention: Without the distraction of cell phones, students are more likely to stay engaged with the lesson. This can lead to better understanding and retention of the material, as students can concentrate fully on the content being taught without interruptions from notifications or the temptation to check social media.
  • To Enhance Classroom Interaction: With phones out of sight, students are more likely to participate in class discussions, collaborate with peers, and engage in hands-on activities. This fosters a more interactive and dynamic learning environment, where students can benefit from real-time feedback and peer-to-peer learning.
  • To Improve Academic Performance: Reducing the opportunity for distractions and cheating can contribute to more accurate assessments of students' abilities. As a result, teachers can better gauge student understanding and provide targeted support, which can lead to improved academic performance and a more honest evaluation of students' progress.

Thank you for partnering with the school staff to reinforce the importance of engaging actively in learning during classes and of using personal mobile devices during designated times only.

As we embark on this new school year, our primary goal is to foster digital responsibility in our students, preparing them for success in college, careers, and their communities. In support of this goal, we are continuing our alignment with the MCPS Systemwide Cell Phone Expectations of "Bell to Bell, No Cell" policy to minimize distractions and enhance the learning environment.

To help enforce the policy and enhance our implementation from last school year, students will have the following 2 options:

  • Place their cell phone and other PMD devices (apple watches, air pods, etc.) in a backpack, bag, purse

OR

  • Place their cell phone and other PMD devices (apple watches, air pods, etc.) in a classroom cubby

Here’s how the policy will be enforced, with specific consequences for insubordination:

If students choose to put their PMD items in their backpack/bag/purse, they will be responsible for leaving them there until the end of class, once the bell rings. If their PMD items are brought out of their bags during the instructional period (between the tardy bell and dismissal bell), the teacher will instruct the student to place the item(s) in the classroom cubby. Students will be able to retrieve the PMD items once the bell rings at the end of class.

**If the student refuses to adhere to the teacher's directions, their PMD item(s) will be pouched and taken to the main office for the REMAINDER of the school day.** If the student refused for their PMD item(s) to be pouched, they will be escorted to the main office to speak with their grade level administrator and/or the principal.

During the Instructional Period each day:

  • First Time: The student will be instructed to place their PMD item(s) in the classroom cubby. Refusal: The student's device will be placed in a locked pouch and taken to the attendance office for the remainder of the day. Students will retrieve their PMD item(s) after the 8th period dismissal bell.

In the hallways during the Instructional Period - going to restroom, water fountain or reporting to other offices for personal business - Student's PMD item(s) should remain in the classroom:

  • First Time: The student's PMD item(s) will be placed in a locked pouch and taken to the attendance office for the remainder of the day. Students will retrieve their PMD item(s) after the 8th period dismissal bell.

We appreciate your support and partnership in helping us promote responsible digital behavior. By working together, we can create a more focused and productive learning environment for all students.