When classes begin for the coming school year, students in the Gettysburg, South Dakota, School District won’t have access to their cell phones, smart watches or other electronic devices during the school day.
Superintendent Amber Mikkelsen says the district’s smartphone policy has evolved over the years.
Mikkelsen says the idea to change to a device free learning environment started with one of their school board members.
Before coming up with their policy, Mikkelsen says she and some others spoke with people at schools that have already gone device-free.
Mikkelsen says she’s surprised at the attention the new policy is getting.
All devices must be turned off during the school day. Gettysburg School District students in grades 6-12 will be allowed to keep their devices with them, but those devices must be locked in a special case (YONDR) so students don’t have direct access. Teachers are able to unlock the case by using a magnetic “key.” Students in grades K-5 will be required to keep their devices in a classroom or in their backpack.
Comments