Cell Phones and Other Devices

In this technological age we find almost all of our students have cell phones, tablets, and/or laptops. We are also seeing an increase around the world, including schools in Calgary banning cell phones from the premises. At DMC we believe that phones are not a right but a privilege. We also believe that phones can have a positive impact on learning when used correctly. We as educators will do our best to guide students in the ethical use of their phones. 

CELL PHONES must be turned off and out of site beginning with the first bell of the day. Students may use their phones again at lunch time, but not during nutrition break. Teachers may ask students to use their phones for specific learning purposes in the classroom, however, students must refrain from engaging in distracting activities such as texting, playing games or using social media during school time. If students are continually found engaging in these activities during school time, they will no longer be permitted to have their device in the classroom. When the day ends, students may once again use their phones. 

Should parents/guardians or students need to contact each other during school hours, students need to come to the office to use a school phone or use the classroom phone if it is not distracting for others. Parents/guardians are asked to refrain from calling or texting their child during school hours. 

Students who are found using personal electronic devices (including earphones) during school hours without permission or engaging in inappropriate activities could be asked to surrender it to the administration until the end of the class/day. Confiscated devices will be stored safely and returned to the student at a prearranged time between the student and the office. Should inappropriate use occur repeatedly, parents/guardians will be contacted and the device will be returned through parents/guardians. The school reserves the right to prohibit a student to have a personal device during class hours if persistent, inappropriate use occurs. Examples of inappropriate and prohibited usage includes but are not limited to:

- taking video, audio or pictures of other students or staff that is not class related and without their permission.

- all forms of Racism and discrimination

- use of inappropriate language -swearing

- all forms of bullying

- engaging in social media/gaming that is not classroom specific learning