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Date: 8/29/2023
PALMER — The School Committee approved new policies regarding students using cellphones and electronic devices. The committee finalized the new policy during the Aug. 23 regular session.
Committee Chair Bonny Rathbone said the current policies needed more guidance on students using devices during the school day.
The new policy states that cellphone use cannot interfere with the educational programming or activities within Palmer Public Schools. Cellphones are described in the policy as current or emerging technologies, wireless units that send or receive electronic communications or digital data transmission.
The policy extends to mechanical or electrical devices that can play, record, store or transmit sound, images, or data and are not part of the educational activities in the school. The district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cellphones or equipment.
“Students who bring these items to school do so at their own risk,” the new policy stated. Using cellphones on school grounds remains a privilege and not a right.
In addition, for students who bring phones to school or on buses, the devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during class time and other occasions as directed by school staff. Device use is permitted before or after school hours and after-school sports activities with permission from a coach or adviser.
Any allowable use must not “violate any existing school policies” regarding bullying, harassing, or intimidating behavior via text or social media. Phones with cameras or audio recording capabilities cannot “infringe on the privacy rights of others.”
Schools may conduct cellphone and device searches when necessary. If evidence was found during an investigation, the administration has the right to confiscate the device or hand it over to law enforcement.
Rathbone said the policy changes were long overdue and an enforceable mandate. The student handbook will note the updates. Also, students from grades three and up will be informed of the device policy during orientation.
Apple, Galaxy and other electronic watches are included in the policy.
Superintendent Matthew Francis said schools would use a “progressive discipline” regarding students caught using their cellphones, ranging from confiscation to the device returned at the end of the day.
Except when seized as evidence, Francis stated that cellphones are the property of a student’s family. He clarified that policy and procedure were separate issues, with a policy clearly stating the rules.
Principals will explain to parents the progressive discipline component and procedures. Francis expects “enforcement upticks” in the beginning.
Newly appointed member Matthew Lovell pointed out an inconsistency in the student handbook, which stated that cellphones are not allowed on buses.
Superintendent’s report
During a recent meeting, Francis informed the School Committee of upcoming events, school projects and transportation plans.
Francis announced that the new teacher and paraprofessional orientation was slated for Aug. 24. The convocation involving all faculty and staff will take place Aug. 28. The first day of school for first through 12th graders was set for Aug. 29, while kindergarten will begin on Sept. 6 and Preschool on Sept. 11.
Discussing the $2.33 million Palmer High School field and track replacement project, Francis noted that despite the weather setbacks in July, the project remains on schedule, hopeful for completion if August remains dry.
He also thanked the town for approving additional funds for unexpected irrigation work related to the project.
Regarding the superintendent’s entry plan, Francis said he had soft-launched the strategy in April. He met with key stakeholders, reviewed policies and made decisions on facility improvements, furniture acquisition, outdoor equipment updates, curriculum material adjustments and technological upgrades.
The public presentation of the entry plan will occur in September.
On transportation, Francis elaborated on the district’s hybrid model, which involves both in-district and out-of-district services. This system currently sees collaboration between the school district and J.P. McCarthy & Sons.
With the McCarthy contract nearing its end, the district is considering the model’s cost-effectiveness and future feasibility. Plans are in motion to discuss transitioning away from the model and releasing a bid for the upcoming year’s transportation services around Christmas or January.
Francis added that McCarthy assumed van services for the upcoming academic year. “Monson has recently gotten out of the transportation business,” he said.
Old Mill School
Principal Holly-Beth Riopel informed the committee that Old Mill School will host an open house Sept. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. Kindergarten orientation is set for Sept. 5, with classes starting Sept. 6.
The school is introducing a grandparents’ event for grade three this year to increase community engagement. Riopel commended the custodial staff for work on the newly finished courtyard, which will serve as an outdoor reading area.
Additionally, Old Mill School was selected by the Car Club of New England as a beneficiary for an upcoming fundraiser. The event’s proceeds will aid in buying school supplies for students.
Current kindergarten enrollment stands at 85 students, a slight uptick from previous averages of 78 to 79. The school is also adding a third preschool classroom due to increased interest, with current enrollment at 48.
Palmer High School
Principal Susan North discussed the school’s preparations for the upcoming academic year and planned memorial activities for a beloved teacher, David Peritz, who died in July.
To honor Peritz, the school has arranged several memorial activities. A remembrance table will be set up Aug. 28 for faculty to reflect.
As a tribute to Peritz’s personality, tie-dye T-shirts featuring the school’s motto, “Palmer High School: A Place to Thrive,” will be distributed to faculty members. In addition, the family will have bracelets for all students and faculty members of both Palmer High School and Old Mill Pond School.
For emotional support, the school plans to have a service and therapy dogs greet faculty and students at 7 a.m., later moving to Room 204, Peritz’s classroom.
A memorial bench will be unveiled in a ceremony scheduled for September. More details regarding the event, to which family and the larger community will be invited, will be communicated in due course.
North noted that the high school’s open house was scheduled for Sept. 14 starting at 6 p.m.