Alexandria School Board Tightens Restrictions on Student Device Use
Students returning from winter break will face stricter rules regarding personal electronic devices in Alexandria City Public Schools. the School Board recently voted to update its policy on the use of mobile devices, effectively banning smartwatches along with cell phones adn tablets. This move aligns with a July 2024 executive order from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. The revised policy, approved in an 8-1 vote, prohibits students from wearing smartwatches on school grounds.Violations will result in disciplinary action, including suspension and potential expulsion. Board member Abdel Elnoubi, the sole dissenting vote, questioned the necessity of the changes, highlighting the Board’s previous policy implemented just a year and a half ago. Student representatives voiced concerns about safety, arguing that the restrictions unfairly target students while adults within the school, including teachers and security personnel, are frequently enough seen using their devices. “We don’t feel safe at Alexandria City High School,” stated student representative Zeina Yassin. Yassin and fellow representative Nixon Perez Orozco emphasized that increased security measures,not device bans,would better address student safety concerns. They suggested that if proper security practices were implemented throughout the school, students would feel more comfortable without their phones. The conflicting viewpoints highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the role of technology in schools and the balance between student safety and individual rights.Student Testimony Prompts Review of Security Practices
Students at an Alexandria City public Schools (ACPS) board meeting recently voiced concerns about the behavior of security officers, prompting a review of security practices within the district. One student encouraged board members and administrators to visit different floors of the school to observe the interactions between students and security personnel. “Walk to the first floor, second floor and third floor and see how different kids behave on each floor, and security guards as well,” the student urged. “They act like a child,literally. They are not doing their job.” ACPS Chief Operating Officer Alicia Hart expressed gratitude for the student’s input and confirmed that many security officers within the school system are currently undergoing additional training. Hart emphasized the importance of open dialog, saying, “If you or any other student is experiencing challenges with security, I invite you to please have that conversation with me directly so I can then work with those security officers without a doubt they are maintaining the activity that we hold for them at all schools.” While acknowledging the concerns raised, Hart also defended the dedication and professionalism of many security personnel. ”With that said,” she stated, “I also do not want to disparage that group, because the security officers that I have seen at the high schools and other schools are hard-working. They are dedicated to their jobs, and sometimes when they are walking with students is because they’ve been encouraged to actually build relationships with the students that they are tasked with protecting.” Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt reinforced the idea that the responsibility for ensuring a safe and secure learning habitat lies with the school system, not the students.Recognizing the growing concern over technology’s impact on education, a school district has implemented a new policy restricting cell phone use among students during school hours. The district aims to create a more focused learning environment and minimize distractions.
Jessica Key-Wyatt, the district’s chief academic officer, emphasized the importance of creating a safe and distraction-free space for students to learn. She believes that allowing phones in the classroom can lead to the spread of inaccurate information and interfere with the learning process. “I think the goal is about the safety,” Key-Wyatt said. “I want to say to parents, let us manage the inside of that facility to ensure that it’s safe.If ther’s a matter or somthing that they need to get to their child, a message or something, there’s always the office who could take care of that matter for them.”
School Board Member ashley Simpson Baird acknowledged the difficulty of the policy change, stating, “What we’re asking you to do is hard. it would be hard for any of us to not have our phones with us for the entirety for me, the entirety of my work day, that would be difficult. and so I just want to acknowledge that this is a big ask.”
Fellow board member Chris Harris echoed the sentiment, recognizing the challenges of implementing such a significant policy shift. “We are so distracted by technology, and I’m hoping that not only does it minimize the distractions, it [also] improves the educational environment in the school system,” Harris remarked.
The educational landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging to enhance the learning experiance. One notable development is the rise of immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR), which are transforming the way students learn and interact with information.
While VR primarily adds a new dimension to the conventional educational setting, its true power lies in its ability to foster deeper engagement and meaningful connections. As one expert aptly put it, “It adds to the educational experience, but it allows you to engage more and have real relationships, conversations, engagement with people.”
This deeper level of engagement stems from VR’s capacity to create immersive and interactive experiences. Students can step into virtual worlds, interact with 3D models, and collaborate with peers in virtual environments, fostering a sense of presence and shared experience that traditional methods often lack.
the expert further elaborated on the transformative potential of VR, stating, “I’m looking forward to [the future of VR in education].” This anticipation stems from the belief that VR has the power to revolutionize education by making learning more engaging, interactive, and meaningful for students of all ages.
In an effort to ensure a smooth transition back to in-person learning, school leaders are acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. They recognize that the shift from remote learning to traditional classrooms will require adjustments for students, families, and educators alike.
“We totally understand that there will be challenges,” acknowledged a school official. “But we ask that parents, families, and the community work with us.”
The focus remains on providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students as schools navigate this new educational landscape.
Alexandria City Schools Tighten Cell Phone Policy for High Schoolers
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has implemented a revised policy regarding student cell phone use. While acknowledging the prevalence of smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets in students’ lives, the district has decided to tighten restrictions on their use within school buildings. The updated policy, effective immediately, prohibits high school students from using personal electronic devices like phones, tablets, and smartwatches during class changes, recess, and lunch periods while inside school buildings. They can, however, use these devices while traveling between campuses on school buses. Previously, the policy stipulated that such devices were “increasingly important as an instructional tool.” This language has been removed, reflecting the district’s emphasis on minimizing distractions and promoting focused learning environments. Students are still allowed to possess their devices but must keep them stored away during school hours. Acceptable storage locations include backpacks,lockers,or designated areas within the classroom,such as a teacher’s drawer. Exceptions will be made for students with documented health concerns, requiring approval from designated school personnel. “ACPS has established communications procedures to ensure students and families are able to be in contact during the school day for events such as a student needing to attend an appointment, a planned early dismissal, or simply a forgotten lunch. Students and families should reach out to the school’s front office to assist with the contact…”The revised policy underscores ACPS’s commitment to creating focused learning environments while recognizing the need for communication and accommodating individual student needs. Please provide the article you would like me to rewrite. I’m ready to craft a high-quality,SEO-optimized piece for your WordPress site! Just paste the text here,and I’ll get started.If a parent decides that an elementary school student should bring a cell phone or personal 147 electronic communication device to school, the device must be turned off and stored away from 148 the student during the school day and when they are with a staff member.
The US economy added a significant 263,000 jobs in November, exceeding economists’ projections and indicating a resilient labor market despite rising interest rates and concerns about a looming recession. This robust job growth follows a gain of 284,000 jobs in October, demonstrating consistent strength in the employment sector.
Unemployment Rate Remains Low
furthermore, the unemployment rate held steady at a low 3.7%, a positive sign for workers. These figures suggest that the Federal Reserve’s efforts to cool the economy by raising interest rates have yet to substantially impact the labor market.
Wages Show Continued Growth
Average hourly earnings increased by 0.6% in November, a notable gain marking a 5.1% increase over the past year.This sustained wage growth provides some relief for workers facing persistent inflation, but it also raises concerns about further inflationary pressures.
“The labor market is showing more resilience than expected,” said James Cullum. “It’s clear that many employers are still eager to hire, but policymakers will be watching these numbers closely as they weigh future interest rate hikes.”
while the strong job market is encouraging, economists caution that the full impact of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate increases may still be unfolding. Some predict that a recession is likely in the coming year, which could lead to job losses and a rise in the unemployment rate.
With nearly two decades of experience covering Northern Virginia, James Cullum brings a wealth of knowledge and on-the-ground reporting expertise to ALXnow. Since joining the publication in 2020, Cullum has tackled a diverse range of stories, from in-depth investigations to captivating features and insightful photo essays.
A Journalist’s Broad Reach
Cullum’s reporting extends far beyond local news. He has covered major national and international events, providing firsthand accounts from the White House, capitol Hill, the Pentagon, Supreme Court, and the State Department. His coverage includes protests and riots across the United States, documenting crucial moments in history like the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Cullum’s dedication to journalism has also led him to report from conflict zones and disaster areas around the world. From earthquake-ravaged Haiti to the disputed territory of Western Sahara and the war-torn nation of South Sudan, he has brought stories of resilience and hardship to light.
Capturing history Through the Lens
Beyond his writing, Cullum is a skilled photographer, capturing compelling images of presidents, world leaders, celebrities, and renowned musicians. His ability to thrive in high-pressure situations ensures he captures the most impactful moments, delivering a complete and nuanced outlook on the stories he covers.
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