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Power Up Learning
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Back to School is the time to power up our brains and dive into learning. In our Pinellas County Schools classrooms, the real magic happens when we disconnect from distractions, like cell phones. Education can be epic when we unleash the power of learning together – and remember to power down personal devices and power up your learning.
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Back to School Guide
Get ready for the 2024-2025 school year! The first day of school is Monday, August 12, 2024. Find information to help you start the year off right in the Back to School Guide.
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Power Up Learning - Digital Responsibility
Today's students are adept with technology, but mastering the digital world demands skills that aren't acquired naturally. Concepts like digital responsibility require guidance. All students need to discern between credible and false information online, know how to address cyberbullying, and safeguard their personal data.
Schools are relying on technology more and more, educators play a crucial role in teaching these skills. However, teachers often face overwhelming demands, making it challenging to prioritize digital literacy alongside core curriculum. As a parent, you can support these efforts by initiating conversations with your kids and teachers. This year Pinellas County Schools will introduce initiatives and recommend resources like Common Sense Education's K–12 Digital Responsibility Curriculum, which offers comprehensive lessons and engaging materials. We will have ready-made lessons and engaging videos on a range of key topics.
Powering up learning in Pinellas County Schools involves innovative learning experiences for all students. Implementing a combination of our strategic priorities and objectives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and student engagement. Here are several ways to achieve this:
- Technology Integration: Integrating technology effectively into classrooms to enhance learning experiences, foster digital literacy, and provide personalized learning opportunities.
- Curriculum Enhancement: Developing and implementing a rigorous and fun, well-rounded curriculum that aligns with educational standards and meets the diverse needs of students.
- Supporting Student Well-being with Digital Responsibility: Implementing programs and initiatives that support the social, emotional, and mental well-being of students, creating a positive and conducive learning environment that helps eliminate distractions.
- Innovative Teaching Methods: Our teachers are using creative teaching methods that cater to different learning styles and promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Power Down Distractions - Cell Phone Policy
Pinellas County Schools recognizes the ever-increasing importance of technology in students’ lives and the beneficial role it can play in student education and communication when used responsibly. The possession and use of such devices should not interfere with academic instruction, student safety or a positive school climate. Pinellas County Schools has updated its Code of Conduct as it relates to the usage of cell phones and other wireless devices during instructional time on and off campus. Here is a summary for the 2024-2025 school year on student wireless communications.
2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE USAGE SUMMARY CHART
Time Periods Elementary Middle High After School Yes (coordination of
transportation as needed)Yes Yes Before School No Yes Yes During Lunch No No Yes Passing Period No No Yes 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR WIRELESS HEADPHONES AND EARBUDS USAGE SUMMARY CHART
Time Periods Elementary Middle High After School No No Yes Before School No No Yes During Lunch No No Yes Passing Period No No No 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR CELL PHONES AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES CHANGES
A. Elementary School Students:
- Elementary school students must keep wireless communications devices in the "off" position throughout the instructional school day and while participating in a school-sponsored activity on or off campus. Students are permitted to use their wireless communications device after the end of the instructional school day, if needed to communicate with parents regarding coordination of transportation.
B. Middle School Students:
- Middle school students must keep wireless communications devices in the off position throughout the instructional school day and while participating in a school-sponsored activity on or off campus. Students are permitted to use their wireless communications devices before and after the instructional school day.
- When allowed, all wireless device headphones, earbuds or other listening accessories are restricted to minimal volume only to be heard by its user.
C. High School Students:
- High school students must keep wireless communications devices in the silent mode or off position during instructional time within all class periods. In addition, students are permitted to use their wireless communications devices before and after the school instructional school day, during lunch and when transitioning between classes.
- All wireless device headphones, earbuds or other listening accessories are restricted to use before and after the instructional school day, and during lunch, and much be stored in a non-visible secure location, such as the student’s backpack, purse or pocket.
2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR OTHER ACCEPTABLE USE OF DEVICES
- IEP, 504, or Health Care/Medical Plan. Students may use wireless communications devices during class time when authorized pursuant to an Individual Education (IEP), a Section 504 Accommodation Plan, or a Health Care/Medical Plan with supportive documentation from the student's physician.
- Health, Safety or Emergency Reasons. Exceptions to the restrictions in this policy, in part or in its entirety, may be made for health, safety and emergency reasons by the principals.
SMARTWATCHES
The district recognizes that some parents will provide their student with smartwatches for safety reasons, emergency communication purposes or location tracking. All of the rules applicable to wireless communications devices apply to smartwatches; however, student may wear smartwatches only in silent mode during the instructional day so there will not be disruption to the classroom, a smartwatch may not be worn during district and state assessments.
Please refer to both the Unauthorized Use of Devices and Consequences as these sections apply to the misuse of smartwatches.
RESPONSIBILITY/ LIABILITY
Any student who chooses to bring a wireless communications device to school shall do so at their own risk and shall be personally responsible for the security of their wireless communications device(s).
The School Board is not responsible for preventing theft, loss, damage or vandalism to wireless devices brought onto school property, or left on school-sponsored transportation, including any wireless communications device(s) confiscated due to inappropriate use.
