Henrietta, Preston, Beggs schools to implement ‘no technology’ policies for next year

At least three local schools are implementing a “no technology” policy for classrooms when children return to school.

Those districts include Beggs and Preston districts, and Henrietta High School. The first day of school will be different for students returning to class the next two weeks. Because this school year, students have to leave their phones and other devices behind.

Letters to parents and students state that cell phones, AirPods, smart watches and Bluetooth headsets cannot be used in school during school hours. The letters say the ban includes hallways, bathrooms, extracurricular activities and even lunch at Beggs and Preston schools. Henrietta High School leaders said students can use their phones during lunch.

The letters say districts are looking to eliminate distractions in the classroom. Leaders from all three districts say they have had problems with students taking pictures of their peers in the bathroom and posting them on social media, taking pictures of teachers to post on social media, watching movies or listening to music in class, and checking social media. and threatening other students with group texts during school hours.

Preston High School Principal Scott McCullagh tells us that classrooms are for learning and they want to get back to basics.

“Our plan and our hope is to get these kids back to performing at school like we did in the past,” said Makchullah.

He said that the students will be allowed to keep their weapons but they will be destroyed. McChullah tells us that students find it useful to have access to their phones in unsafe situations and want access to them in an emergency.

All three districts say if a parent or guardian needs to communicate with a student, they can call the school’s front office and a staff member will relay the message to their child.

Leaders say there may be an exception to the policy if the student has a medical condition, but prior approval is required.

Parents are asked to call their child’s school office if they have any questions.

Below are copies of letters from Beggs, Preston and Henrietta school leaders. Image courtesy of News at 6Image courtesy of News at 6

Image courtesy of News at 6