Mount Vernon STEAM Academy Cell Phone Collection Policy

Collecting cell phones is one of our strategies in mitigating scholar distractions for several reasons:

1. Improved Focus: Without their cell phones, scholars are more likely to pay attention to the lesson, engage in class discussions, and actively participate in learning activities. This can lead to improved comprehension and retention of the material being taught.
2. Enhanced Classroom Atmosphere: With fewer distractions, the classroom environment can become more conducive to learning. Teachers can create an atmosphere where scholars feel encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and collaborate without the constant interruption of phone notifications.
3. Increase Productivity: When scholars use their cell phones during class, they often engage in multitasking – checking messages, browsing the internet, or watching videos while pretending to pay attention. This can diminish the quality of their learning experience and hinder their ability to absorb information effectively.
4. Promotion of Face-to-Face Interaction: Collecting cell phones encourages scholars to engage in face-to-face interactions with their peers. This can improve social skills, communication abilities, and the development of personal connections among scholars.
5. Prevention of Academic Dishonesty: Cell phones can be used for cheating during exams or quizzes. By collecting cell phones, educators can reduce the likelihood of academic dishonesty and maintain the integrity of assessments.
6. Establishing Boundaries Enforcing a cell phone collection policy helps scholars understand the boundaries between personal and academic time. It teaches them the importance of managing their distractions and focusing on their studies during designated learning periods.
7. Teaching Self-Discipline: By practicing self-discipline and refraining from using cell phones during class, scholars learn important skills that can help them manage distractions in other areas of their lives as well.
8. Enhanced Learning Experience: Ultimately, the goal of collecting cell phones is to create an environment where scholars can fully engage with the learning material and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This can lead to improved academic performance and a more fulfilling educational experience.

The Mount Vernon STEAM Academy is a positive learning community, rooted in collaboration, academic rigor, high expectation, relationship building, and excellence. Our scholars will maintain our values and core ethos and adhere to all school policies. Therefore, scholars are not permitted to have cell phones on their person or in their bag while in school.

To adhere to this policy scholars will have their cell phones collected upon arrival by designated staff, and the cell phones will be secured and stored in designated rooms.

1. Scholars entering late will have their phones collected at the Main Entrance while obtaining a late pass. Late phones collected will be stored in a locked secure location.  All cell phones will be returned during dismissal procedures.
2. The cell phones will be collected at the Main Entrance for students who are in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. The cell phones will be collected at the Cafeteria Entrance for students who are in grades 7 and 8.
3. The cell phones will be returned to the Auditorium for students who are in grades 10, 11, and 12. The cell phones will be returned to the Cafeteria for students who are in grades 7, 8, and 9.
4. Scholars leaving early will report to the Main Office to retrieve their phones.
5. All scholars are expected to bring their IDs to school daily.
6. In the event of an emergency, parents must contact the Main Office (Ms. Dennis - 914-665-2401 or Ms. Coleman – 914-665-2455), school counselor, or grade-level assistant principals. Students will be called to the main office to return the call. [Grade-level administrators: Grades 7, 8, & 9 - Mr. Wilbekin - 914-665-2391, Grades 10 & 11 – Ms. Brown – 914-665-2379, and Grade 12 – Ms. Marte – 914-665-5125]