|
|
|
As technology changes, so must school district policy.
Galatia Junior High/High School Principal Matt Hickam introduced to the school board a first reading of a new policy to be placed in the student handbook regarding electronic reading devices during Thursday's meeting.
One junior high pupil was bringing in a Kindle electronic reader to read during her free time. Another pupil wanted to bring in her Kindle Fire tablet computer.
"I said, 'Only for reading books,'" Hickam said.
The pupil was later found using the Kindle Fire for Internet surfing thereby abusing the privilege.
The policy Hickam introduced to the board is that electronic readers are permitted, but only those without multimedia capabilities.
"They are not to be on the Internet for any reason," Hickam said.
The policy requires a parent's signature for pupils and students to bring the devices to school and the devices must be registered with the school.
Currently there are three kids -- two at the junior high and one at the high school -- who regularly use electronic readers, Hickam said. The board may adopt the policy during next month's meeting.
Hickam also reported to the board on a bullying seminar he recently attended in Chicago that he said could benefit the district.
Galatia's policies currently only help in reporting bullying and handling those reports. There are no programs to prevent bullying. Hickam wants to enlist the help of student council, Lifesavers Club and Beta Club.
"We are looking at using these students as peer teachers," Hickam said.
He wants positive students from these clubs to interact with junior high kids to build positive relationships between students. The guide is the Golden Rule. Hickam wants an emphasis on how students should behave rather than labeling anyone as a bully.
"We want to emphasize 'What kind of person do you want to be? Who are you when adults are not looking?'" Hickam said.
He also wants to address those who witness bullying. He said rarely do students report being bullied, but believes there are many who observe bullying who need to know the appropriate actions to take.
The board accepted the resignation of Garett Wingo as high school baseball coach and voted to post the position as open.
- DeNeal receives e-mail at bdeneal@yourclearwave.com.
As technology changes, so must school district policy.
Galatia Junior High/High School Principal Matt Hickam introduced to the school board a first reading of a new policy to be placed in the student handbook regarding electronic reading devices during Thursday's meeting.
One junior high pupil was bringing in a Kindle electronic reader to read during her free time. Another pupil wanted to bring in her Kindle Fire tablet computer.
"I said, 'Only for reading books,'" Hickam said.
The pupil was later found using the Kindle Fire for Internet surfing thereby abusing the privilege.
The policy Hickam introduced to the board is that electronic readers are permitted, but only those without multimedia capabilities.
"They are not to be on the Internet for any reason," Hickam said.
The policy requires a parent's signature for pupils and students to bring the devices to school and the devices must be registered with the school.
Currently there are three kids -- two at the junior high and one at the high school -- who regularly use electronic readers, Hickam said. The board may adopt the policy during next month's meeting.
Hickam also reported to the board on a bullying seminar he recently attended in Chicago that he said could benefit the district.
Galatia's policies currently only help in reporting bullying and handling those reports. There are no programs to prevent bullying. Hickam wants to enlist the help of student council, Lifesavers Club and Beta Club.
"We are looking at using these students as peer teachers," Hickam said.
He wants positive students from these clubs to interact with junior high kids to build positive relationships between students. The guide is the Golden Rule. Hickam wants an emphasis on how students should behave rather than labeling anyone as a bully.
"We want to emphasize 'What kind of person do you want to be? Who are you when adults are not looking?'" Hickam said.
He also wants to address those who witness bullying. He said rarely do students report being bullied, but believes there are many who observe bullying who need to know the appropriate actions to take.
The board accepted the resignation of Garett Wingo as high school baseball coach and voted to post the position as open.
- DeNeal receives e-mail at bdeneal@yourclearwave.com.
