Reining in Internet generation

By Helen Davis
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — The Grants/Cibola County School Board continues to explore possibilities for controlling cell phones and other electronic devices in the classroom.

Superintendent Kilino Marquez presented a draft of a letter that would be sent to all pupils in district schools for the board to study. The letter is part of an ongoing review to update board policies that create and maintain a quality learning environment in district schools.

Electronic devices have increased classroom disruptions and inappropriate communications, according to the letter.
New policy would prohibit the use of all electronic devices during class, requiring them to be off and in student’s backpack, purse or vehicle during school. Laptops, cell phones, e-mail devices, CD and DVD players, iPods and other MP3 players are on the list of items that students will not be permitted to operated during school hours.

The policy will not affect devices used by teachers or students when they are under supervision of a teacher.

Marquez noted that the board must stipulate consequences for policy violation and asked for recommendations before the policy is set and announced.

Board members Sharon MacKindrick, William Estevan and Mark Thompson expressed concern over requests from Grants High School and Laguna Acoma High School administrations to petition the Public Education Department for senior waivers.

The board can suspend the policy requiring all graduating students pass the New Mexico High School Competency Exam as well as meet a credit requirement. It can also request the PED to allow alternative means of evaluation for specified students.

GHS principal Richard Horacek and LAHS principal James Reed said that all students on the petition list had sufficient credits and test scores close to passing. The board voted to seek NMHSCE waivers for the nominated students.

The next regular board meeting will be May 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the Acoma Tribal Auditorium. The May 20 school board meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. to allow time for budget review.