Before the 2024 graduates departed, they left advice for the students growing up behind them: Be careful what you post on social media.
Seniors submitted what they thought younger students should know to faculty member Bronwyn Burford, who compiled a digital presentation for the fifth grade Digital Citizenship class. How to manage your digital footprint was high on the seniors’ list.
This summer, student leaders also weighed in on using cell phones during the school day. The Student Council met with JA administrators to offer students’ perspectives as JA evaluated the pros and cons of student-owned digital devices on campus. With input from students, faculty, and administrators, Jackson Academy made several changes to the cell phone and wearable technology policy for the 2024-2025 school year.
Jackson Academy places a high priority on the wellness of students and the teaching and learning occurring in and outside the classroom. “Jackson Academy strongly feels that a break from personal devices during the school day will enhance our academic environment, promote greater interpersonal relationships among peers, and reduce on-campus discipline issues related to improper use of technology and social media,” said Academic Dean and Head of Middle School Matt Morgan. “As educators, we are committed to working with students and families to create a healthy and positive learning environment while reducing stress and distractions commonly associated with personal devices.”
For the past several years, JA’s policy has included cell phone restrictions at school, with students not allowed to use phones during class times or assemblies. Now, Middle School students are discouraged from bringing cell phones to school. If they need a phone at school, it must be turned off and kept in the student’s backpack. Grades six through eight only use cell phones once dismissed for carpool.
For Middle School, Morgan described the change this way: “This new policy is best summarized as an ‘off and away policy’ for all students for the entirety of the school day. While students are welcome to leave personal devices at home, students who choose to bring cell phones, Apple watches, and other communication devices to campus must keep those devices off and out of sight at all times. This will include breaks, lunch, and study hall classes. Students are always welcome to use the phone in the Middle School office to communicate with parents during the school day, and the Middle School office staff is happy to deliver messages to students when necessary.”
For grades nine through twelve, students will place their devices in a designated area determined by the teacher in each class to avoid distraction. Students will not use cell phones during class, between classes, or during assemblies. This includes using wearable technology, such as Apple and Smart watches, to text or communicate during class or assemblies. Students and faculty cannot use headphones and earbuds in the hallways, classrooms, lunchrooms, or assemblies.
The JA Parent & Student Handbook outlines cell phone and wearable technology policies and is available through OnCampus to students, all families, and faculty/staff.
