Cell Phones During Class Time

Hello Favorite Families!

This program year has gotten off to a strong start despite all of the uncertainty. I want to thank you for following the mask policy. We continue to keep class sizes quite small for the space while utilizing the air purifiers and air conditioning in every room. We've had a higher number of absences this semester, but it's because we are all following the "out-of-an-abundance-of-caution" mindset. No one has been out due to COVID-19, thanks be to God. For those who are approaching 3 absences already, catechists will be sending home assignments to help your kids keep God at the forefront of their minds, building the habit of trying to see God in the events of their day.

Speaking of habits... kids are challenged to remember appropriate classroom behavior both in the schools and here in our parish program. Home-life and school-life can be so different! We've had to institute a cell phone use policy, effective immediately. Please review this with your children who bring phones to class.

1-Volume on phones will be turned to off so that we cannot hear any notification sounds between 5:10 and 6:30pm. 
2-During class, phones will be kept in pockets or purses-- out of sight.

• If anyone in the class looks at his or her phone without permission, the entire class will take out their phones and place them upside down, an arm's distance away, on the table that the child is using as a desk.
• If anyone attempts to use or uses a phone that is on the table, the entire class will place their phones on a table at the front of the classroom, within sight, but out of reach.
• Students will pick up their phones at dismissal, after the closing prayer. 

3-Please do not call or text your children while they are in their 1.25-hour class.

• If you have urgent news to share, you should either call our office or come to the Parish Hall and sign your child out of class early.

This has never been a real problem before; I'm sure it's just part of the transition from pandemic school-at-home to post-pandemic school-in-classrooms. Thank you for encouraging your children in this self-discipline. And a high-five goes out to the vast majority of kids who don't use their phones during class time! Great job!!

Mary Acevedo, Director of Religious Education