What happens when you prevent students from using their cell phones during lunch? They hang out and talk, apparently. As in face-to-face.
That’s what’s being reported over at Corona del Mar Middle School, which, according to this Daily Pilot story, is a few weeks into a new policy that asks students to curb their smart devices at lunchtime, allowing their use only in designated areas like the front office.
Principal Rebecca Gogel told the newspaper kids tended to be glued to their personal screens a year ago, and those without a phone felt left out.
The campus’ new rule followed discussions from teachers and has been lauded by some PTA members. But that doesn’t mean smartphones and other devices don’t have a place at CdM Middle. They’re still used regularly to enhance classroom lessons.
And here are some other education stories from the week ending Sept. 22:
- Fullerton Union High School has completed a $10 million overhaul of its football stadium, which is ready to host its first game of the season tonight.
- The Orange Unified School District’s Board of Trustees has appointed Gunn Marie Hansen as interim superintendent, replacing retired schools chief Michael Christensen.
- The Buena Park School District appointed a parent with a background in education to fill its vacant school board seat.
- A senior with a rare genetic disorder that prevents her from sun exposure beamed with pride as she was crowned homecoming queen at Dana Hills High School.
- A science teacher from Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove is among eight state finalists in the 2017 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching program.
- University High School in Irvine sent a team to compete in the 24th annual International Space Settlement Design Competition, which tasked students with designing a futuristic city on Venus and presenting their plans to NASA engineers.
- Californians may have another way of evaluating their neighborhood schools, as Oakland-based GreatSchools is unveiling an enhanced ratings system that includes metrics on course access, student progress and equity.
- A school nurse in Newport-Mesa Unified received the School Nurse of the Year award for her hard work and commitment to children’s health.