Electronic Devices Policy

Brooklyn Center Community Schools has instituted an Electronic Devices Policy (including cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, etc.). These policies are instituted to be in compliance with Minnesota State Statute and we believe they will create a productive and positive classroom environment, enhance student mental health, improve academic performance, and support effective teaching.

WHY do we require personal electronic devices to be off and put away during school?  

Relationships: In order to learn in the classroom, students must be connected to one another and to the instructional staff. Research and recent experiences have determined that student access to cell phones distracts from the learning environment and creates a significant barrier to the interactions and connections crucial to rich, relationship-based learning. 
 

Focus: Cell phones and personal digital devices are NOT required resources for students at school. Students learn best when they are “present” and engaged in the learning activities and interactions from moment to moment. Research has determined that cell phone use and the proximity of cell phone availability and access for students during class distract learning. 
 

Safety: We acknowledged that families may choose to have students carry cell phones for various safety reasons; however, cell phones as vehicles for social media access and use have proven detrimental to our school community. Rather than calling or texting students on their cell phones, parents and guardians should utilize the school phone number to relay any messages that may be urgent for their child.