Dear GHS Parents and Guardians:
We are implementing a new cell phone policy starting on January 4th, 2022. The school board has passed an amendment to the current policy. The misuse of cell phones has become a serious problem at Gurdon High School that threatens the ability of the district’s schools to properly and efficiently operate its education program. This is a safety concern for privacy reasons as well as a distraction for learners. The school board and administration believes it is necessary to restrict student use and possession of electronic devices. For this policy “electronic device” refers to anything that can be used to transmit or capture images, sound or data including but not limited to cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, cameras, MP3 players or other portable music devices. For the purpose of this policy, personal electronic devices are all electronic devices not issued by Gurdon School District. The devices issued at school are adequate for the students to perform their academic assignments.
We would appreciate your assistance in talking about this policy and potential consequences with your child. This policy applies only to a phone being seen or heard during the school day. If they are concurrently in violation of another policy while using their phone, additional consequences will apply . The severity of misuse will also be factored into the consequence given. We will meet with our students to discuss this with them after the Christmas break.
If you feel you must send your child to school with a phone for after school activities, please note the following: Students must keep their phones turned off on school property and stored in their backpacks, locker or vehicle at all times of the school day. If a student’s phone is seen or heard during the school day, they will be asked to give their phone to the office/staff for the remainder of the day and receive a minimum consequence of ISS. If you need to contact or get a message to your child, please call the school office at 870-353-5123. Please do not send texts or phone their cells expecting replies during school hours.
Thank you for your cooperation and support of Gurdon High School and the Gurdon School District. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact Mrs. Shumate, high school principal, at 870-353-5123.
A letter was mailed to all GHS families' addresses on file on December 17, 2021; a copy of the new policy was included and can be viewed at https://drive.google.com/drive...
We hope you enjoyed the break with your families. We look forward to seeing our students back on January 4th.
Sincerely,
Tammy Shumate, GHS Principal
Nikki Thomas, GPSD Superintendent