CELL PHONES/Smart Watches
Our priority is to provide the most effective learning environment for our students every day, while protecting the integrity of the teaching profession. Our data indicate that both cell phone and smartwatch usage in the classroom disrupt the learning and teaching process, limits and/or negates social interactions, impedes student focus, and jeopardizes the integrity of our IT systems. Due to the negative effects on the learning environment, the following revisions have been made to our policy regarding cell phones and smartwatches in the classroom:
Effective August 2024, cell phones and smartwatches must be stored in the student’s assigned locker during the school day (7:45 am -2:50 pm).
FAQs
Is there a cell phone/smartwatch ban on our campus?
No, this is not a cell phone ban/smartwatch ban; it is a limit to access cell phones/smartwatches during instructional time.
How can students and parents/guardians stay in touch during the school day?
Students and parents/guardians may stay in touch through email and/or calling the front desk @ 773-539-3600 x 5027.
What if a student becomes sick?
If your child becomes sick during the school day, they should report this to their teacher and/or report to the Nurses Office. The Nurses Office will communicate with parents about next steps, early dismissal, etc.
What if a student or parent has an urgent situation and needs to be in touch with each other?
In case of emergencies or urgent situations during class time, parents/guardians should call the front desk @ 773-539-3600 x 5027. If a student needs to contact their parents/guardians during class time, they should let their teacher know. The teacher will assist them in accessing a phone (all classrooms have phones) or making contact.
How do we know our students are safe if there is a school-wide safety concern, such as a lockdown?
DePaul College Prep staff are prepared to handle emergencies and will prioritize student safety above all else. Our staff are trained to respond quickly and appropriately to any emergency that may arise, and we have systems in place to communicate with emergency services and notify parents or guardians as needed.
What are the consequences for phone usage with this new policy?
Students who are noncompliant with the cell phone policy will be given a Tier 2 Discipline warning for each infraction. Staff will have discretion on allowing a student to return the cell phone to their locker and/or request a Dean to confiscate the phone until the end of the school day.
Should I be worried about my child’s cell phone/smartwatch getting stolen?
Cell phone theft prevention can be ensured by the use of the students assigned locker and school issued combination lock.
Backpacks
Backups are to be kept in the student’s locker. Students should only carry their necessary belongings to their classes. An 8.5”L x 5”H bag is allowed to carry to class for pencil/pens, calculator and other smaller items. Students will be allowed to go to their locker prior to the first bell and during passing periods to pick up their necessary belongings for their classes.
Lockers
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Only school issued locks are permitted on the lockers. Lockers are to be KEPT LOCKED. Students are only to use the locker assigned to them; any changes must be approved by the Dean. Students are not to give locker combinations or share lockers with anyone at any time.
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DePaul College Prep is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Students should not bring expensive personal items into the school (i.e. jewelry, and other expensive articles of clothing). All lost, damaged, or stolen items should be reported to the Dean of Students.
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Lockers are the property of DePaul College Prep and subject to search by a designated DePaul Prep representative at any time and for any reason.
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Students who vandalize lockers will be held accountable for restitution and face disciplinary consequences on a case-by-case basis. Students who possess permanent markers and substances that can make the locker dysfunctional will face disciplinary consequences on a case-by-case basis. Students who are in possession of another student's lock may face a serious discipline action and/or expulsion.
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Food or drinks for lunches are to be removed from lockers at the end of every day.
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Gym bags are to be stored in lockers
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Students may only go to their lockers in the designated time in the morning, during change of class, and immediately after school.
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If a locker does not work properly (i.e., it is jammed, the combination will not work, or the student forgot the locker combination), the student should report this to the Dean of Students, immediately.