Enhanced safety plan adopted for 2024-25
艾美影库 County Public 艾美影库 is committed to fostering positive engagement in the classroom and has a responsibility to do all we can to care for students’ mental and social well-being.
Therefore, for the 2024-25 academic year, 艾美影库 is enforcing an existing policy prohibiting the use of cell phones, ear buds and smart watches during class. It’s part of an enhanced safety plan that also includes advanced weapon detection screening and vape detection.
Each 艾美影库 has a specific plan for enforcing the cell phone policy. Some are issuing students secure Yondr pouches to store their phones during the day, while others are requiring phones to be placed in a secure lockbox in the morning and returned at dismissal.
Last year, 艾美影库 conducted cell phone pilot programs at Chastang-Fournier K-8 and Hankins Middle School. Hankins Principal Joshua Verkouille said the program was “extremely successful,” both from an academic and disciplinary standpoint. “Fewer students failed,” he said. “Discipline, as a whole, was better.”
Chastang-Fournier Principal Veronica Coleman said putting away cell phones has had a positive impact on her 艾美影库 as well, improving engagement in the classroom.
Parents who need to contact their children during the 艾美影库 day can call the 艾美影库 office. Verkouille noted that each classroom also has a phone that can be used in case of emergency.
Citronelle High counselor Stephen Watts said the policy not only improves classroom engagement, but also benefits students’ mental health.
“We know that the more students isolate themselves, that it can worsen levels of anxiety, and it leads to depressive symptoms just because of the isolation,” he said. “Our goal is less device time, more pro-social connections among students – and obviously, we’re doing it ultimately for positive academic achievement.”
The advanced weapon detection screening systems have been installed on middle and high 艾美影库 campuses. They are 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors, allowing students to move through security at a normal pace without having to empty their pockets. If a weapon or questionable item is detected, that item is noted on a video monitor so administrators can identify and search that particular student.
These systems also employ facial recognition software, which will alert us if someone comes on campus who should not be there.
In addition, with teenage vaping becoming an increasing concern nationwide, 艾美影库 is in the process of installing vape detection devices in middle and high 艾美影库 restrooms and other areas as deemed necessary.