tinywashere
member
Posts: 44
Reg: 04-22-09
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 04-22-09 06:47 PM - Post#83580
Recently the Allen School added a new policy to charge a fee for students who get csught using their cell phones during school hours. How this works is if the student gets caught twice, the phone is taken and returned to the parents. On the third time they will charge the parents a $15.00 dollar fee to return their phone to them. I'm curious as to what peoples' thoughts are on this? Do you think that it is right and fair punishment to enforce a fee? Or do you think that it is wrong to charge people for the return of their property, another way to generate revenue? Any opinions?
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RRRquilter
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Posts: 1471
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
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04-22-09 07:09 PM - Post#83583
In response to tinywashere
My opinion is if you break the rules you pay the consequence - in this case $15.00.
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bigsis
member
Posts: 25
Reg: 05-13-08
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04-22-09 07:23 PM - Post#83585
In response to tinywashere
I think it is perfectly acceptable. And, my child would pay for it with their own money, too. If they can't pay, it will sit there until they can. They are very aware of the rules, so there isn't any reason for that to happen.
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Pollyanna
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Posts: 1062
Reg: 08-16-04
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04-22-09 07:28 PM - Post#83587
In response to tinywashere
Totally acceptable. Bishop Lynch did it many years ago. I know numerous CEO's that charge a violator when their phone rings during a meeting - proceeds go into an employee event fun.
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workingmom
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Posts: 1089
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 06-03-04
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04-23-09 08:50 AM - Post#83696
In response to tinywashere
I hope I never have to pay the fee but I think it's fair - the rule is no cell phones in use at school and the students are well aware of the rule. Hitting parents' pocket books may be the only deterrent that works for some students.
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allen
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Posts: 1965
Reg: 12-02-05
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04-23-09 10:38 AM - Post#83733
In response to workingmom
I think there should be severe punishment for kids using cellphones, but I don't think monetary fines are appropriate in a public school setting.
| We sittin' here, I'm supposed to be a franchise player....and we in here talkin' 'bout PRACTICE? |
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RRRquilter
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Posts: 1471
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
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04-23-09 10:54 AM - Post#83739
In response to allen
Maybe 6 weeks at Dillard? 
o.k. I know that was in poor taste, but I just couldn't help myself.
Edited by RRRquilter on 04-23-09 11:00 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Lisatexmom
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Posts: 854
Reg: 01-19-05
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04-23-09 10:58 AM - Post#83741
In response to allen
I think there should never be a third time, if so my child will be paying back the $15.00 -
It should teach the child to follow the rules and the parents that they need to help with this, it could also help bring the parents focus back on to their kids as most parents (not saying anyone here) lets their kids do what ever with no consequence.
| Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus |
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crochet_lover
enthusiast
Posts: 139
Loc: Allen, Texas U.S.A.
Reg: 05-17-05
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04-23-09 12:50 PM - Post#83763
In response to Lisatexmom
I wonder what the school does with the money it collects? I would be ticked if I had to pay a fee, but not at the school, my kid. And he wouldn't be taking that cell phone to school anymore.
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Lisatexmom
enthusiast
Posts: 854
Reg: 01-19-05
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04-23-09 01:18 PM - Post#83773
In response to crochet_lover
I could be totally wrong, but I would think it would probably go to the Schools PTA fund.
| Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend. - Albert Camus |
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shiraz
enthusiast
Posts: 594
Loc: allen, tx, usa
Reg: 05-23-02
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04-23-09 02:32 PM - Post#83792
In response to Lisatexmom
not necessarily, unless the school -- who collected the fees -- chose to *donate* said fees to the PTA, which is a separate, tax-exempt entity.
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rclark
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Posts: 813
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 01-16-08
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04-23-09 03:24 PM - Post#83803
In response to crochet_lover
I wonder what the school does with the money it collects?
I would be OK with giving it to the teacher who's class was disrupted.
Two plus two equals five, for sufficiently large values of two.
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mom27girls
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Posts: 645
Reg: 03-28-08
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04-23-09 03:57 PM - Post#83808
In response to rclark
I think with it being the 3rd time its ok.
No differant than driving without insurance and having to pay to get youself out of jail and then your vehical from impound.
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Mara75002
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Posts: 106
Loc: Windridge
Reg: 10-04-06
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04-24-09 02:26 PM - Post#83902
In response to tinywashere
Hmm...
There shouldn't be a first time usage during school to begin.
My kids have cells. They're OFF during the day and in their backpacks. They know the first time they are caught with it, there wouldn't be a second time because, heck... I will take it away!
I'm all for the new policy. I pray it will be strictly enforced!
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Mara75002
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Posts: 106
Loc: Windridge
Reg: 10-04-06
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04-24-09 02:42 PM - Post#83906
In response to mom27girls
I think with it being the 3rd time its ok.
Third time?? I'm sorry, but a second time is sad enough...
A third time would tell me a parent is not enforcing discipline at home.
** Edit: I don't know how my comment got caught up in the quote, so changed color.
Edited by mara75002 on 04-24-09 02:45 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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mom27girls
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Posts: 645
Reg: 03-28-08
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04-24-09 04:47 PM - Post#83928
In response to Mara75002
In other words I meant that they should not do it on the first time.
I did not mean that its ok to do it 3 times.
None of my kids have cell phones since they did not know how to use them right the FIRST TIME THEY HAD THEM.
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tinywashere
member
Posts: 44
Reg: 04-22-09
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04-24-09 07:03 PM - Post#83953
In response to RRRquilter
That's actually pretty funny.
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luvyrpet
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Posts: 2104
Loc: Allen
Reg: 09-11-05
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04-25-09 01:34 AM - Post#84012
In response to RRRquilter
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Jemarsh
member
Posts: 89
Loc: Allen
Reg: 08-06-07
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04-25-09 11:20 PM - Post#84074
In response to tinywashere
I think that it is a great idea and shame on the parents who can't control what there kids are doing. I see kids on the phone walking home from school all the time. One day there was no joking 6 boys walking from Ford all of them on phones walking in a group. Not one of them talking to each other but on the phone. Really, who are you talking to on the phone? Not only do kids at school cheat on test but I remember being in school with the bomb threats and the guys where calling in on there parents cell phones. Now a days parents by there kids phones $100.00 plus and the phones get stolen or damaged at school. Buy me a phone that expensive and I will take better care of it then your kids will any day! Kudos to the schools and shame on anyone who can't follow the rules.
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MO
enthusiast
Posts: 399
Reg: 07-31-08
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05-16-09 10:08 AM - Post#85740
In response to Jemarsh
I'm 100% for the fine, but it won't come out of my pocket, it will be my daughters. And I don't care where the money goes, whether it's PTA, end of year party, buy more library books, or treat the teacher to a spa day. He/She deserved it, for putting up with a child that can't/won't follow the rules, and putting up with the parent that won't enforce them.
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Mr. Coffee
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Posts: 128
Reg: 08-07-07
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05-18-09 04:40 PM - Post#85834
In response to MO
I think the third strike fee is acceptable, but keeping the phone? That's nothing short of ransom. It's property, and someone else is holding it and saying you have to pay money to get it. Charge a fee for disruption? Sure. I think that is publicly and morally acceptable. Holding on to someone's property and forcing to pay money to get it back? No, that's illegal.
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rclark
enthusiast
Posts: 813
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 01-16-08
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05-18-09 04:58 PM - Post#85835
In response to Mr. Coffee
Tell that to the guy that tows your car for illegal parking :).
Two plus two equals five, for sufficiently large values of two.
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tinywashere
member
Posts: 44
Reg: 04-22-09
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05-19-09 07:20 PM - Post#85936
In response to Mr. Coffee
I wanted to ask this question of the group because I am ok with the school taking the phone, however, I do not agree with them holding your property for a fee when the parent is not there to stop their child from using the phone. Basically the parent is not in control while their child is at school, the school is. The child is not going to learn anything from the school charging the parents a fee. The child does not have a job, the parent does. So where's the punishment for the child? Parent can take the phone but we need them to have their phones for after school. What's the solution?
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rclark
enthusiast
Posts: 813
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 01-16-08
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05-19-09 09:25 PM - Post#85940
In response to tinywashere
... The child is not going to learn anything from the school charging the parents a fee. The child does not have a job, the parent does. So where's the punishment for the child? ...
I think the learning will have to happen at home. My child knows that it will be the end of the world as she knows it if I have to pay to ransom a cell phone. We would all learn to live without the phone, and that would just be the beginning.
I really believe that a kid using a cell phone to the point of class disruption has no business having a cell phone at all. If that means they have to stay within the parent's sight at all times, so be it.
(shakes cane at kids in yard ... need a smiley for that, too)
Two plus two equals five, for sufficiently large values of two.
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allen
enthusiast
Posts: 1965
Reg: 12-02-05
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05-19-09 11:50 PM - Post#85947
In response to tinywashere
we need them to have their phones for after school
Why?
| We sittin' here, I'm supposed to be a franchise player....and we in here talkin' 'bout PRACTICE? |
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sco
enthusiast
Posts: 2714
Loc: allen,TX USA
Reg: 10-26-02
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05-20-09 08:22 AM - Post#85960
In response to allen
There are plenty of legitimate reasons a parent would want a teen to have a cell phone after school. If the parents are at work and the kids have activities it is nice to be able to communicate with them. No it is not absolutely necessary but it gives us peace of mind. My 7th grader lost her phone and it is as annoying to me for her to be without it as it is to her. If she had gotten it confiscated she would just have to stay home for a while. To answer an earlier question, if I ever have to pay a fee to retrieve a cell phone my kids know they will be working off the fine at home. (I've got lots of baseboards and cabinets that could use scrubbing.)
Edited by sco on 05-20-09 08:24 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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chf
enthusiast
Posts: 574
Loc: NW Allen
Reg: 12-22-07
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05-20-09 10:03 AM - Post#85968
In response to tinywashere
I wanted to ask this question of the group because I am ok with the school taking the phone, however, I do not agree with them holding your property for a fee when the parent is not there to stop their child from using the phone. Basically the parent is not in control while their child is at school, the school is. The child is not going to learn anything from the school charging the parents a fee. The child does not have a job, the parent does. So where's the punishment for the child? Parent can take the phone but we need them to have their phones for after school. What's the solution?
Things like this are why I think it's good for kids to get an allowance, starting in elementary school. If this happened to mine, the fine would be garnished from their weekly allowance. If they were earning money from babysitting, etc., it would come out of that, or (as someone else said) I could find lots of jobs for them to do.
You are absolutely right, though. If the parent just pays the fine and the child suffers no consequence, nothing is learned. But that's the parents' problem, not the school's.
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MO
enthusiast
Posts: 399
Reg: 07-31-08
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05-20-09 06:36 PM - Post#86000
In response to tinywashere
The child is not going to learn anything from the school charging the parents a fee. The child does not have a job, the parent does. So where's the punishment for the child?
Shell out a couple of hundred dollars from your hard earned money for your kid who can't follow the rules and then ask me where's the punishent for the child. I'm sure you'll find a way to punish them for costing you money, and if you don't, then you deserve to pay the fine.
Personally, I'd get it out of sweat. Do you take your car to the car wash? What does that cost you? You've had to give up your weekly car wash to pay for your kid's fine. Then THEY do it! What does your lawn service cost you? Hmm...too bad, can't afford it anymore. Here Junior, you'll need to do it this time, I just paid your fine. The ways are unending.....
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tinywashere
member
Posts: 44
Reg: 04-22-09
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05-20-09 10:12 PM - Post#86007
In response to MO
I personally do not pay my kids an allowance because I feel that I should not pay my kids to clean up after themselves. They are responsible for their bathroom, bedrooms, ect. I do feel that kids need a phone for one main reason, safety! My childs' phone has a GPS on it, their are unfortunately sex preditors that live close to my childs' school. They are everywhere. She does go home with friends after school because I work. I just feel that the better punishment would be for her to do something at school, I don't know, maybe help the staff with stuff that they need done? Help the janitor? Maybe even help other students that are struggling with school work? My child is very smart and could help others. I just think that is a better solution than charging a fee.
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vm7mm
enthusiast
Posts: 1527
Loc: Allen Tx usa
Reg: 08-12-04
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05-21-09 11:11 AM - Post#86037
In response to tinywashere
Maybe a good punishment for them could be staying after school and answering phones at the front desk.
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Jemarsh
member
Posts: 89
Loc: Allen
Reg: 08-06-07
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05-21-09 11:19 AM - Post#86038
In response to tinywashere
Kudos to the parents that dont pay there children to do what is expected of them. But all I can say is "WOW". I know that alomst everyone who has posted apparently made it through chilhood without a phone. This is just now new within the past 5 + years that we are sending kids with phones. Now taking in consideratin there are alot of teens that are mature enough to handle the responsibilites but for the teens and kids that are not give them a pager or if you din't know were your kids are then that is some mentoring that you and your child need to get. Everyone is busy working late I know that. But you can't allow all of your comfort that your child will only be safe with a cellphone that is just naive. Teaching and coaching our children at a young age what is right and wrong is the basis of making sure your kids come home. I ca't say that a child is that much more protected with a cellphone especially if it keeps getting picked up at school, lost, broken, battery died, sorry mom couldn't get a signal. I think that the school shouldn't hold for ransom but have a student parent meeting so that it is understood that the child not bring the device in the school and then the parent should then not try to side with the child. Be a parent and however you choose to discpiline do it!
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catlady
enthusiast
Posts: 688
Loc: allen tx
Reg: 03-22-02
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05-22-09 03:09 PM - Post#86140
In response to Jemarsh
it's a miracle that we survived without a cell phone until adult hood. I've only has mine for about 10 years and I thought I was pretty well adjusted. But alas maybe I'm wrong, when I was little my mom's time out was her hand against my (fill in the blank). Or she could just give you the look - and you knew you were in trouble.
A dog looks at you and says "You take care of me. You must be a god".
A cat looks at you and says "You give me food and shelter. I must be a god". |
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sco
enthusiast
Posts: 2714
Loc: allen,TX USA
Reg: 10-26-02
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05-22-09 03:14 PM - Post#86141
In response to catlady
Times change. There was a time when kids grew up just fine without electricity and indoor plumbing. We now consider those things necessities. I told my kids that I grew up without the internet and they were shocked.
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MO
enthusiast
Posts: 399
Reg: 07-31-08
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05-22-09 07:33 PM - Post#86149
In response to sco
Directing back to original post and subject.....
Regardless of where we are in the evolution timeline of technology, regardless of how we discipline our young, the bottom line is make sure your middle schoolers are crystal clear on the rules about no cell phone ON during school. It's very simple. Rules don't say no phones at school, just not in use. And there's no reason for a child to have theirs on during school. If your child follows these simple rules, then whether there's a fine or not is a moot point.
Edited by MO on 05-22-09 07:36 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Mr. Coffee
enthusiast
Posts: 128
Reg: 08-07-07
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05-26-09 03:26 PM - Post#86298
In response to MO
That pretty much hits the nail on the head. I'll pay the fee when that bridge is crossed (it's not that it's a lot either), but I do think we could come up with a better option.
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kati
newbie
Posts: 8
Reg: 05-19-09
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05-27-10 10:24 AM - Post#111764
In response to Mr. Coffee
I think the fee is acceptable, you gotta learn somehow :)
And it also prepares them for high school, college, the real world... at Baylor, some professors are lenient while others have NO tolerance for cell phones. Basically, if they see one or hear one vibrate, they take it until you go to their office and plea.. or they deduct points. I have had multiple professors who deduct 5 points or so from the ENTIRE class's test grade or even final grade for a phone going off. So not only is the teacher annoyed at that kid, but everyone else in the class is, too.
Also, my sorority fines you everytime your phone buzzes during meeting, so we just turn them off before we walk in the room. And they expect a check before you walk out. There are actually girls that sit at the back and note it. Pretty ridiculous, but just another example of why kids should learn the rules of the cell phone. You never know which professor/boss/president isn't going to tolerate it.
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tamss13
member
Posts: 92
Loc: Allen TX
Reg: 08-28-02
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08-25-10 09:44 AM - Post#117319
In response to kati
Heck the Traffic Police will impound you car....in short hold it until you pay a fee to get it back.
I rather they learn by cell phone than at the impound lott.
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mom27girls
enthusiast
Posts: 645
Reg: 03-28-08
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08-25-10 11:00 AM - Post#117322
In response to tamss13
I heard that the High School changed the policy and now lets the kids use cells in hallway and lunch now...
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workingmom
enthusiast
Posts: 1089
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 06-03-04
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08-25-10 12:14 PM - Post#117325
In response to mom27girls
That's true. Some teachers also allow use of phones in the classroom during non-instruction time.
(Off topic: They've also relaxed the "shaving" policy for young men such that they can now have facial hair so long as it is neatly groomed.)
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sco
enthusiast
Posts: 2714
Loc: allen,TX USA
Reg: 10-26-02
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08-25-10 12:24 PM - Post#117327
In response to mom27girls
I heard that the High School changed the policy and now lets the kids use cells in hallway and lunch now...
According to my daughter that is also the policy at Lowery. It appears that the middle school still has a "turn them off and put them in your locker" policy. I'm actually fine with the policy in both cases.
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WebDeb
enthusiast
Posts: 204
Loc: Allen, TX.
Reg: 03-05-05
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08-27-10 06:55 AM - Post#117385
In response to rclark
... The child is not going to learn anything from the school charging the parents a fee. The child does not have a job, the parent does. So where's the punishment for the child? ...
I think the learning will have to happen at home. My child knows that it will be the end of the world as she knows it if I have to pay to ransom a cell phone. We would all learn to live without the phone, and that would just be the beginning.
I really believe that a kid using a cell phone to the point of class disruption has no business having a cell phone at all. If that means they have to stay within the parent's sight at all times, so be it.
(shakes cane at kids in yard ... need a smiley for that, too)
Well said, rclark!
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