The following comments were made to the Harford County Board of Education by parent Michelle Gardner at a public meeting May 23. A copy was provided to The Dagger for publication:
During the Board of Education meeting on 5/23 I requested that the Board revise the current school Cell Phone Policy. Cell phones are either disallowed or must be turned off on school property. If a student is found to have a cell phone turned on it is confiscated overnight and in some cases–for the remainder of the school year–and parents are not notified that this has occurred until they arrive home and the student tells them their phone was taken by the school.
I can understand the need to prevent distraction during class time and if a child is actively using their phone during class time I can understand a teacher confiscating it for the duration of the class or even the school day; but keeping a mobile phone overnight in the principal’s office serves no purpose at all and the only explanation I have been able to get from my son’s principal is that: “It forces the parent to come and sign for it in person the next day.”
In the meantime, there are definite risks and dangers associated with this practice especially for families that do not have a landline:
a. Inability to dial 911 after school until a parent returns home (The FCC reports 70% of all 911 emergency calls are made from mobile phones.)
b. Complete loss of communication for emergencies and natural disasters such as: lockout, injury, house fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, blizzard, criminal fugitives
c. Inability for emergency responders or law enforcement personnel to use GPS data to locate missing child
d. Inability to receive national disaster and emergency information via text
e. Loss of identification and emergency contact information–a cell phone provides a great deal of information about the owner; in the event of an emergency, if my son is injured or unconscious and cannot speak to medical personnel—they will have my contact information stored in his cell phone along with other members of his immediate family.
The benefits of mobile technology have outpaced this policy and it is need of revision. In the absence of a parent, a mobile phone is the only means of self defense a child may have.
Links to more information:
Michelle Gardner
John Paff says
Very well worded! I agree 100%!
Bethany says
Wonderful points. It would be great for the schools to catch-up with the reality of the times.
Bethany says
Wonderful points. It would be great for the schools to catch-up with the reality of the times.
Benjamin Johnson says
I am a school teacher in the city. Our schools policy is to allow students to voluntaraly turn in phones so they can be locked up till the end of school. If they choose not turn the phones and they are used in school they are taken until the parents sign them out or are notified by phone, and then they are given back at the end of the day. A second violation results in the phone being kept overnight.
Our students are very responsible but some have used their phones to take pictures in the bathrooms, and to record fights and other inappropriate behavior.
David A. Porter says
My policy as a parent is to provide my son a cellphone so that he can contact someone in the event of an emergency, in the event no one at the school feels responsible for his safety and well being. As far as I am concerned, my policy trumps your policy – especially when you demonstrate to me the kind of heavy handed foolishness that I have come to experience from the school administration. And I will give you a name: Nancy Reynolds. She is the reason I no longer trust HCPS to look out for my son’s safety and well being.
John says
And when your son is using that cell phone to text in class, and the phone is confiscated, you will have to come in and get it.
Just because you don’t agree with the rules means you are exempt from them.
David A. Porter says
I understand this… and I agree if he misuses it that it should be handled in that manner. I didn’t say anything to the contrary. I merely suggested that the prohibition against cellphones is myopic. Now can you agree with the author of this document and my point of view or are you still willing to make a case against it because of the potential for misuse? Life is full of these opportunities to fail. Removing the opportunities does not preclude the intent to misbehave.
John says
There is no “prohibition” of cell phones in HCPS. Students are allowed to posess cell phones provided they are turned off during school hours.
If they choose to ignore the rules, there is a consequence. The author of this article is arguing against the consequence.
Life IS full of “opportunities to fail” — and learn from those failures, however, there are way TOO many parents who would attack the schools and administratiors for enforcing the rules and policies in place than to address the issues or bad behavior with their children.
Michelle Gardner says
My son has never texted in class. Every single time it was taken it was because he forgot to turn it off and that happens once or twice a year. How many tornado warnings have we had already in Harford County this year? Flood warnings? I work an hour away from home. In the event of an emergency I have to know exactly where my son is. He could be right next door at a friends house, or playing basketball with a friend down the street—if a friend or family member has to go and pick him up due to an emergency situation I know that I can reach him on his cell phone.
Barbara says
The kid needs to turn it off. Your argument about emergencies is kind of funny. There will always be somebody else with a cell phone to help in an emergency. We are a society that has such a need for immedient gratification that cell phones seem glued to the ears of our kids. The reality? Cells in schools are used for texting to friends and cheating on tests. Ringing cells interrupt class and disrupt the education process. Sorry you don’t like the rule, but we live in a society based upon rules. If your son loses his phone for one day once or twice a year (as you described) he’ll live. And if he can’t live, he’ll turn the darn thing off!!
Michelle Gardner says
‘There will always be someone around with a cell phone to help’. Wow. Where were these people the day my son was locked out of the house for 5 hours (because the school kept his phone overnight and wouldn’t let him call me). Those good samaritans were slacking that day!
nancy says
Michelle,
There have to be rules and that is all there is to it. Once again your child needs to leave his cell phone in his locker until school ends since he cannot remember to turn it off. Then the problem is solved and he won’t have detention and he can call you and 911.
Michelle Gardner says
John; it was the principal himself who told me that the HCPS school policy was that cell phones were not allowed at all when the incident occurred that one of his staff left my son alone outside sitting on the curb and the school closed. I later found that they are allowed but must be turned off. I agree there must be some kind of policy in regards to misuse. I requested that the board consider the policy for revision in light of the life saving benefits of cell phones. When I am talking about dialing 911–I’m not talking about during school, I’m talking about after school when children are home alone waiting for parents to get back from work….as stated, the FCC reports that 70% of 911 emergency calls are made from cell phones–not land lines. If my son is alone and his cell phone is sitting in the school office and he gets hurt he can’t get help. (and there have been many hospital and doctor visits every year–he’s a very active boy).
Michelle Gardner says
John; it was the principal himself who told me that the HCPS school policy was that cell phones were not allowed at all when the incident occurred that one of his staff left my son alone outside sitting on the curb and the school closed. I later found that they are allowed but must be turned off. I agree there must be some kind of policy in regards to misuse. I requested that the board consider the policy for revision in light of the life saving benefits of cell phones. When I mention dialing 911–I’m not talking about during school, I’m talking about after school when children are home alone waiting for parents to get back from work….as stated, the FCC reports that 70% of 911 emergency calls are made from cell phones–not land lines. If my son is alone and his cell phone is sitting in the school office and he gets hurt he can’t get help. (and there have been many hospital and doctor visits every year–he’s a very active boy).
nancy says
I agree with you totally!
Michelle Gardner says
Just to clarify a few things; my son has never been caught using or misusing his cell phone. In his three years of middle school it was taken once or twice a year because he simply forgot to turn it off and it made a notification sound while still in his pocket. How many adults would still be happy to enforce this same rule themselves the next time their phone went off in a theater or a meeting because you forgot to turn it off? As I said, I understand that there are children who misuse privileges. I do not argue the need for some kind of policy but keeping a phone in the office overnight does not benefit anyone and certainly not for the remainder of the year. If the office finds it necessary to ensure that I am aware of my son’s occasional forgetfulness; they have all of my contact information on those 5 cards they make us fill out at the beginning of every year.
Aberdeen Parent says
Michelle I agree with you. Lot’s of children today go home to an empty house until the parent or parent’s arrive home from work. If a child is found to be in violation of school policy the phone could be taken. Howevere it should be given back to them at the end fo the day. The scholl can notify the parents that he violated the policy either by phone,or send a letter home. I think people are missing the point the safety of the children should be a major factor. Thanks for speaking out for all children’s rights.
Michelle Gardner says
YES! Exactly. And I wholeheartedly agree with you. Thank you for speaking up on this subject.
Christina Kane says
I agree with Aberdeen Parent and Michelle Gardner. I have been fighting this policy for 7 years.
The first incident was when my oldest was in 8th grade and walked home from school every day. She is a diabetic and had many episodes of low blood sugar on the way home at the time. After dismissal she was technically on school property and took her phone out to have it in her hand and it was taken for the night. Thereby losing her ability to call 911 or family when she was ill on the way home.
The second incident was again in Middle School and involved my middle child who was stuck outside the school at 245pm. This was during a strong rain and my child used her cell phone to call for a ride home from family. Confiscated immediately due to “use on school property” it was given back when my husband arrived to pick up the child after the phone call and demanded the phone back from the adult.
Third incident was during my oldest’s senior year. I was requested for an 504 meeting and at the time of the meeting my daughter did not show up. She was on the attendance list. The school was unable to locate her. I became alarmed because previously in the year she had attempted to go to the nurse with a low BG and passed out on the way. She was alone at that time because of a direct violation by the school by sending her to the nurse alone with a low bg. To find her for the meeting I had to text her. The school was outraged because she had her phone on in school. I advised them student safety was the issue and we could address it higher in the administration if needed.
I have solved the problems at this point by using parental controls that do not allow the phone to be used during certain hrs except to a parent or 911. My children also keep the phone on silent/vibrate at all times and ringtones are not allowed.
Bravo for bringing this to the forefront.
B says
Having a phone is not a right given to a child. Sorry. Especialy middle school
Michelle Gardner says
Christina Kane; Thank you so much for taking the time to share your stories! It is because of parents that have stories like these that I am bringing attention to this policy. There are too many health and safety risks to allow this policy to remain unrevised. Please share this information with other parents and ask them to contact the PTA and/or the BOE.
nancy says
You cannot compare adults in the workplace or in society to the students in school. The county and schools have rules that the students need to follow and if they do not they are aware that they will receive consequences. As a parent, you should support the school and teachers for instilling in your child the importance of following rules and regulations. That is how society and our country were founded on. Let’s get them ready for the real world and stop coddling them!!
Michelle Gardner says
Nancy; are you suggesting that providing my son with the ability to dial 911 after school and until I get home from work is ‘coddling him’? I think you–and a few others, have missed the point of my message. It is not the consequence given during the school day that is the issue here. The problem is with keeping the cell phone overnight and thereby preventing him from communications completely and emergency responders if necessary.
Aberdeen Parent says
LOL why can’t people just discuss things like adults on here. I crack up laughing every time I read the DAGGER, Thanks for the entertainment folk’s. What difference does it matter of the phone is worth $10.00 or 10,000? Its thier choice what to buy. One day the school is going to take a phone from some poor child who forgot to turn the ringer off and GOD FORBID something happens to him. It’s a law suit waiting to happen….. I am sure if folks started communicating instead of finger pointing a solution could be found quite easily!!!
David A. Porter says
There is a long history in this country of correcting situations that were perceived as wrong minded Nancy. I don’t need your lecture, but maybe you need to go back to school and learn history all over again.
pizzle says
“With great power comes great responsibility” (Uncle Ben)
Kids need to be taught (by their parents) that having a cell phone is a privilege, not a right. The school has every right to confiscate a phone being misused. Keeping it overnight is a little overboard, but I like the fact that it forces the parent to get involved and hopefully to teach the kid that for every action (good or bad), there is a consequence (good or bad).
Especially disturbing is hearing that kids use the camera to take inappropriate pictures of kids in the bathroom. That’s really pitiful.
B says
You’d be amazed (and horrified probably) at some of the stuff middle and high school students record on their cell phones. If they’re doing it they’re recording it (including everything from sex in bathrooms, fights, gang initiations, vandalism, drug use, etc.)
They do not need their phones during the school day. If it’s critical for parents contact their children then call the main office, not their cell phone. I have no problem with teachers confiscating cell phones when they’re being used in the middle of class and for repeat offenders then yes, the phone should be held until a parent can come to the school and sign for it.
parents need to teach their children when it is and is not appropriate to use their phones…of course that would require parents to know that which judging from the number of people I see using them while driving, ordering food at restaurants, buying their cancer sticks at the 7-11, etc I have my doubts at how many know what’s appropriate when.
Michelle Gardner says
‘B’–again, my letter clearly states that I do not disagree with the policy during the school day—I disagree with the schools keeping it overnight because it’s after school that I need to be able to reach my son.
As for being forced to come in and sign it out the next day, it’s not the inconvenience that concerns me–again–it’s the fact that he had no way to call 911 or for me to contact him until I got home. And since I drop him off at school in the morning, making the 20 foot walk into the office is not a hardship I just don’t understand the benefit derived from the office by having me sign their clipboard and get his phone back.
ack1313 says
Wow, it would be really nice if ALL parents put this much concern and effort into REAL issues—I’ve been reading this post for about ten minutes and keep reading the same darn thing over and over again. You don’t like a rule. Oh well. Get over it. There are lots of rules I don’t like either, but I have to abide by them just like everyone else. Oh, wait, except for your child.
Greg Czechowicz says
Attention parents:
I went to school in grade school and high school, and NEVER carried a cell phone. Never had to call 911 for something, etc. The chances of this happening are like less than .005 %. The problem with kids these days is they text like maniacs and can not function socially as well as kids of previous generations. Not to mention recording fights, sex acts,etc. I for one support the policy of taking the phones away.
David A. Porter says
Greg, on a Harford County Half Day due to Snow my son was missing. He did not ride the bus, he did not walk home, and when I called the school no one answered their phones. I drove to the school – on the day the school was dismissed due to impending weather – and I found staff in the main office talking amongst themselves. I looked at them and asked them where my son was. I was told they put all the kids on the bus. When I replied my son was not on the bus I asked my question again. Again, I was told they were all put on the bus. That was when this crotchety old woman looked at me and said “Sir if you wold just moderate your tone”. I looked at her and asked her if she was new to education. She asked me to leave the school. I did. I eventually found my son, who was picked up by a Tae Kwon Do van in front of the school – NOT A BUS. We arrived home and shortly after that a Bel Air police officer arrived at my door with a letter from Nancy Reynolds telling me I was banned form the school. After some discussion with Dr Haas, a meeting was held between myself, Ms Reynolds and Mr Benedetto. I repeated the story of the events that transpired and was interrupted by Ms Reynolds who stated I had something inappropriate – I did not say what she suggested and I told her pointedly that my life is complex enough without creating fiction. Mr Benedetto interrupted the exchange and said the ban would be lifted – and I received a lovely letter from him later telling me that my demeanor determines whether or not I receive help from the school staff. This is patently absurd and for this reason I do not trust anyone to take issues, seriously, that are important to me. My son will carry a cellphone, and the consequences for his misuse – which he has not done yet – are severe. But I will not bow to arbitrary and tyrannical people in authority who are bent on power trips without regard for my son’s safety.
Bel Air Girl says
AMEN David Porter!!!!! I am not only a teacher in this county but a parent as well and I would have done the same for my own child. This school system has a ton of people working for it on power trips. If it were one of their kids they would have done the same thing. I have taken up for my daughters safety many times at her school and have been on more than one occassion dismissed and told I am a teacher in the county and should know better not to complain. When I threaten to go higher than the county, then they all seem to listen. HCPS should be ashamed of themselves for banning a parent from a school who only wants to know where his missing son is. I would have threatend to sue and then see the reaction you get. HCPS hates law suits and it is a shame you have to threaten that way but sometimes you have to to get your point across.
Sofakingwetalldid says
Porter, I’d love to hear the real version of your exchange. Two stories with the truth somewhere in the middle.
David A. Porter says
You can always talk with Nancy Reynolds. She is of course retired now… and probably for good reason. I hope you find the experience as illuminating as I did.
beth says
Mr. Porter,
It sounds like it was your kid’s fault for not taking the bus if he usually rides it. It is not the schools mistake that you could not find him. What does this have to do with the cell phone issue and then going and attacking the administration. Really show some respect!
Michelle Gardner says
My son’s phone was never taken away for texting, calling, taking pictures, using or misusing it in any way. It was taken because once or twice a year he forgets to turn it off and a notification will cause it to make a sound while the phone is in his pocket. I have asked the school to let me know or allow him to contact me to alert me to the fact that he is without his cell phone and they refused until I got the president of the PTA involved. Now one month away from the end of the school year they have consented to allow him to notify me if it should happen again.
Michelle Gardner says
In addition, in the early weeks of my son’s first year in middle school, a miscommunication occured and my son did not get on the bus and was not sure if his grandfather was coming to get him. A school staffer tried calling me on my cell phone to clarify but I did not get cell signal in my office. My son informed her of this and told her that she needed to call my office number which was also on the contact information card. She refused. After failing to reach me, and as the school was closing, she deposited my 10 year old son alone, on the curb and left the building. Thankfully—he had his cell phone and called me about 20 minutes later when he realized his grandfather wasn’t coming. If he had not had his cell phone that day, going to a new school, being a few miles away and not knowing how to get home—I can only imagine what might have happened to him.
old teacher says
You have to have a clear rule, not a vague rule. Personally as a teacher phones are a huge distraction. The kids can’t put them away, and asking them to turn them off usually doesn’t work. What is crazy is that half of the times phones go off in class it is because the parents are calling/texting the kid.
I say do this kids can have phones and use them at certain times of the day (lunch, etc). When class starts phones are away. Believe me the last teachers want to do is take a kids phone. If it is lost or broken who is responsible for reimbursement?
Michelle Gardner says
Yes, the liability is another issue that I have looked into a little bit. I did not bring it up at the BOE meeting because I only had 3 minutes to get my point across. You are correct, the liability is with the school who takes on the responsibility for the confiscated cell phones. There have already been cases where Maryland schools have had to pay for lost or damaged cell phones that were confiscated. Replacement costs can run into hundreds of dollars which then ultimately falls back onto the taxpayers.
rocky says
Oh yeah Michelle! Let’s get on the liability of the school that was caused by your son for using his cell phone. Do not think for one minute that if you would actually sue the system because you were dumb enough to buy a middle school child a $400 cell phone that they would replace it. Get real! Big deal they kept baby’s cell phone overnight:( If you want it back that bad, get off work early and go to the school and get it. Does not take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. After reading all the posts I would estimate about 95% of the posts are not supporting you but the school. You have a few that support you because their little darlings broke the school rule too. You did your little 3 minute speech to the board now get on to more important things.
Middle School Mom says
On one occasion, my sixth grader forgot to turn her cell phone off and it made a noise in her bag. She had just gotten it at the beginning of the school year, mainly because she walks to and from school, and we wanted her to have a way to contact us if needed. The days of the ‘Block Parent’ are long over, and we wanted her to have a way to reach me or her father in case of emergency. I called the office to see if one of my older children could come get the phone, since I do not return from work until after the school office has closed. I was told by the office personnel that the phone would be held for ONE WEEK. I told them that I begged to differ, and that I would be in the next morning, which I was. When I spoke to the VP the next day, I was told that I could have the phone in this case, but that next time it could be held for one week.
I explained that the phone did not belong to my child, as she is 11 and unable to be party in a legal contract like the one I have with the cell phone company. The phone is in my name and belongs to me. They said that this consequence was decided upon at the school level. That each school had the discretion to implement punishments for these infractions. I can understand them taking it from my daughter. She did not turn it off as she knew she was supposed to. I can understand them insisting that I or my husband come into the office to retrieve it. But keeping it for a week? Luckily, we have not had another incident, so I have not had to fight that battle.
Bottom line is that the rule needs to be changed to reflect the reality of today. I agree that phones should not be used during the instructional day. I agree that the phone should be confiscated for the remainder of the day if that rule is broken. That being said, I believe that the rule that a student cannot even have a phone in their possession is outdated. If my daughter is carrying a phone in her purse that is not turned on or being used, how exactly is that a disruption to the school day? Trust me….I have been in that school. They have much bigger fish to fry!
Michelle Gardner says
Thank you for taking the time to share your story and your viewpoint!
Concerned Teacher says
HCPS policy states that the possession of a cell phone is prohibited in any middle school. Ms. Gardner, you, as a parent, are disregarding established policy and, in essence, breaking the law. You are also encouraging your child to do the same, and setting the example that it is acceptable for someone to ignore a law, policy, or rule that they do not agree with.
HCPS policy states that the possession of a cell phone is allowed in any high school. Policy also dictates that cell phones are to be turned off and placed out of sight during the school day, which is the time between the homeroom bell and the end of school bell (about 7:20 – 2:00 in most schools). This does not mean silent mode, it does not mean vibrate mode, and it does not mean sitting on a desk but not being used. Again, parents who insist on supporting their child’s decision to break this established policy are setting the example that it is acceptable for someone to ignore a law, policy, or rule that they do not agree with. In addition, parents who call or text their children during the school day are causing their children to violate this policy.
Policies are not set to inconvenience students, nor are they set arbitrarily. Every policy has a reason behind it. Parents who call their children directly rather than call the school office as they are supposed to are subverting the authority of the school to set and enforce rules. These same parents would be amongst the loudest complainers should their child be harmed because the school did not enforce a rule. It’s hypocritical, and it happens every day.
Increasingly it appears that students who deliberately ignore rules that they do not like have parents and/or guardians who show a similar disposition towards rules they do not like. Parents need to act like parents. If you feel the need to give your child a cell phone because of needs outside of school, then you must believe that your child is responsible enough to take care of the phone responsibly and you MUST accept whatever discipline your child receives for not doing so. Schools who require parents to come in and get confiscated phones are deliberately doing it to inconvenience the parents, because in the vast majority of cases this is the only method the school has to make the parents take the incident seriously.
David A. Porter says
And I would argue that again this policy is absurd given the lack of responsibility I have seen demonstrated by the staff at middle school. And I choose to argue with them about their ignorance, and anyone else that doesn’t agree with my right to provide a means for my son to contact someone in an emergency.
Concerned Teacher says
If your son needs to contact someone in an emergency during school hours, then the school has telephones in the main office that can be used for this purpose.
If your son needs to contact someone in an emergency after school hours, then you as a parent have the right to give your child a cell phone for this purpose. However, if you do not respect the school’s right to enforce the rules regarding cell phones, no matter what your feelings are on the issues, then you are subverting the schools authority to enforce ALL school policies, including those with which you do agree. You cannot pick and choose which policies you would want the school to enforce.
David A. Porter says
Than as a responsible parent I choose to subvert a rule that I consider to be the domain of the arrogant and ignorant.
Joey D says
Talk about arrogant.
Michelle Gardner says
I do respect the policy for the school to take his phone during class time if it goes off in class. I do not believe that the he should lose his only means of emergency contact for the after school hours.
I am asking for a revision of the policy to prevent schools from keeping cell phones overnight. Times change, technology changes, and yes, even school policies have been known to change in order to keep up with the times. Cell phones used to be a luxury, now for many people they are a necessity. And for my son, it’s his only means of emergency contact after school until I get home.
David A. Porter says
That was unintentional Michelle… I hit the wrong button… much like some of the contributors here.
della says
I’m assuming you don’t have a landline since you keep saying that he’d have no way of calling 911. If this is the case, doesn’t it concern you that if there is a power outage or his phone dies (or loses it) that he would have no way of contacting you or 911? If this isn’t the case, then why can’t he use the landline?
della says
Michelle, after reading your other posts I understand why you feel your child needs a phone. Can’t they make an exception for a medical necessity?
Michelle Gardner says
Della; I have been told there are no exceptions by the school and that the rules are the same for everyone. However, I would not want an exception just for my son. My son will be starting high school in September. I am doing this for the welfare of all children. It sickens me to think that an unavoidable tragedy could befall a child on their way home or at home that might be prevented if they were able to dial 911 but couldn’t because the only phone they had to use was locked up in the school office overnight. Anyone can search the news headlines to see cases of children home alone who had to call 911. Right before I went to the hearing I was reading a story about a 10 year old girl who wasn’t even home alone; her parents left her and an 8 year old in the care of TWO teenage babysitters. Three criminals broke into the house, beat the babysitters repeatedly in the head with lumber and proceeded to rob the house. The 10 year old called 911 while hiding in a closet. It could happen anywhere and not just to children who solely rely on cell phones. But I know that 99% of the time my son has his in his pocket no matter where he is or who he is with no matter what happens. Except of course on those occasions when the school has taken it away.
Michelle Gardner says
A big problem with landlines by the way is that they are often cut in home invasions.
David A. Porter says
Hyperbole here since you are driven to that extreme… do you espouse the good old days when there were separate water fountains for coloreds?
Rules are rules until they are shown to be biased and unfair based on the realities at hand.
Michelle Gardner says
I have heard different explanations of the HCPS cell phone policy which is why I stated both. The policy is different between elementary, middle, and high schools, therefore, I stated the two answers I have been given. I do not teach my son to disrespect authority in any way. I would be happy to not have him take his cell phone to school if you can tell me how else I can make sure he has it the moment he steps off the bus (school property) and has it on his person for the walk home in the event he has any problem, injury, issue, or is locked out of the house which recently happened during the last tornado warning because he forgot his key. You can find news reports of how many children are beaten up by gangs, abducted, and go missing in that 15-20 minute walk from the bus stop. I would like my son to at least have the opportunity to dial 911 and also to contact me if he’s locked out of the house in the freezing cold, blistering heat, or torrential downpour. In addition, he passed out 6 times in the 6th grade. If that should happen on his way home I have software on his phone that allows me to locate him within a few yards via GPS.
B Houtz says
Concerned teacher… identifiable handles give little people big voices. I am not going to say I totally agree with everything stated in the article above. I do however feel you love being in control. You use the work MUST as in we MUST deal with what ever discipline decisions you make. Unfortunately for you there is HCPS Board and a State School Board your decisions can and will be reviewed by. I hope you unanimously never teach my child and try to use this tone with me because you position is very easily replaceable.
happy teacher says
Michelle,
Maybe you need to take your child out of public school and home teach him or better yet send him to private school and then you can whine all you want because you pay for it. Your child is in a public school getting a free education and is not attending THE GARDNER SCHOOL! Your child is not the exception and I do not think you are important enough to replace a teacher. Why don’t you tell your son that and see what he says! When your child is at school the principals, teachers, nurse, counselors are guiding and protecting your child. Why would you attack these people who are there for the children. It is parents like you that make the educator’s job so difficult. The cell phone issue just adds another distractor that disrupts the teaching time for all the children. Your child is not the only one in the school and his phone going off disrupted a class!
Michelle Gardner says
Just exactly how did I ‘attack’ anyone? So you mean then in the entire time of my son’s education up to this point, by politely asking the BOE to consider revising one policy in all these years, I am attacking the educators and teachers? Why does the BOE offer public hearings for constituents to raise questions if we are not allowed to raise questions? I am the one who has been attacked on this board for raising one simple question. And I did it with respect, through the proper channels, and I have managed to do that and respond to the attacks on this board without slinging any mud, putting down anyone or their child, and challenging anyone’s parenting skills—unlike my antagonists. I posed a request based on what happens to my son cell’s phone after 3pm. The majority of the people who have vehemently opposed me and also identified themselves as educators continue to want to frame their responses on the unchallenged portion of the school day between the hours of 8 and 3. I am not contending the school’s authority or the teachers’ ability to maintain their classrooms. I have conceded that my son will be subject to whatever the school deems necessary in regard to confiscating my son’s phone during the day if it is found to be on and even detention if the school so decides. My one and only request is that he have his phone when he leaves the building for his safety.
beth says
Michelle,
After reading all your posts you keep mentioning that your son did not use his phone although it was on during the school hours. It would not have gone off it not been on. You still need to understand that if it is used (turned on) the school has every right to keep his cell phone. If you want it returned get off work early and get it. Your son broke a school rule not the school. That way he will be with you and he will be safe. I cannot believe the office would not let your child call you. I teach at a high school in the county and that just does not sound right. I think your little one is not telling you all of the story. He was upset that they took his $400 cell phone with all those apps and he knew that his mom would not be happy. It is not a matter of life and death! The chances of him getting abducted, getting jumped by a gang or having a natural disaster are slim to none! I am sure that since you report your son is well-liked, smart, responsible, a boy scout and almost perfect he can handle himself. It is not that big of a deal. You are making a mountain out of a molehill and taking important time of he BOE even if you are doing it a polite way.
David A. Porter says
Wow Happy Teacher…. are we now saying that because we dare to question authority that somehow we are terrorists, undesirables, criminals, or downright evil? DO you really not see the hate spewing from your fingers? Do you actually have an impact on my son when he comes to school because if you do I think maybe you should consider employment in a Madrasa or some other place that reviles people for their beliefs that are different from you. Suggesting that we are not somehow part of your public is tantamount to asking me to stick with my kind. And people wonder why I lament about the self righteous people I run into. Tell me – do you delight in protesting at dead soldiers funeral services because you happen to believe that God hates feminists and homosexuals and is punishing America for it’s tolerance? I have never heard such absolute derision since Jerry Falwell accused feminists and gays of allowing the curtain to fall that protected us from the evil beyond our shores.
jonesey says
David,
Do you know how ridiculous you sound? Just send your child to private school that you choose and then you can control everything! It would help you not be so stressed. Take a deep breath and just relax. Life is to short to worry about words and miniscule things. Be happy and smile, it makes life so much easier.
RobJam says
Wow! After reading this, I’m amazed we have anything resembling functional children in our schools. Cell phones are a relatively recent phenomenon, while public education has been going on for centuries. Somehow, the world endured prior to every child possessing instant communications – and all the data suggests the children did better. Our schools are broken and we’re focused on whether or not Mommy can text Johnnie about what he wants for dinner.
The solution is simple, and one that’s found outside any secure area. Build small lockers that can hold the phones at the school entrances. The kids lock up their phones and take the key when they arrive in the morning. They reverse the process when they leave in the afternoon.
Done.
nancy says
I am in total agreement!
Michelle Gardner says
Robjam; I don’t disagree with your solution. However, I would like to respond to your comment:
“Cell phones are a relatively recent phenomenon, while public education has been going on for centuries. Somehow, the world endured prior to every child possessing instant communications – and all the data suggests the children did better. Our schools are broken and we’re focused on whether or not Mommy can text Johnnie about what he wants for dinner.”
1. Yes public education has been going on for centuries but technology has made it evolve….unless you prefer students these days to strictly use chalk and blackboards and drawing the dirt with sticks. Since you are online yourself, it would seem you have embraced it as well.
2. Data I have encountered recently indicates that students who have gone the route of e-learning outperform those in traditional classrooms. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFZ0z5Fm-Ng
3. I have never attempted to contact my son during class time regarding “dinner”. Again, my concern is being able to reach him after school and for him to be able to dial 911.
David A. Porter says
Is there anything else you would like to mandate be put in his little locker with the cellphone… as has been noted elsewhere the lockers are not secure and not to be trusted. There was a time when people valued self reliance instead of expecting the state to provide them with everything including security. I happen to believe the school cannot guarantee my son’s safety and I have seen evidence of their failures. Are you one of those people that believe like the city of Washington DC that the police are only a few minutes away and you don’t need anything to protect you in your home from an intruder? It’s a phone… a simple unobtrusive electronic device intended for communication. The one I gave my son is used to call me and his mother predominantly. That’s why I bought it. That’s why I instruct him to use it And that is why no one will tell him he can’t have it on his person in school regardless of what you or any ignorant school administrator may think.
Concerned Teacher says
Lockers are as secure as the “responsible” students to whom they are provided make them. They have combination locks, and the only people who know the combinations are the school administrators responsible for school lockers, the homeroom teacher who assigned the locker to the student, and the student. No one else has the locker combination… unless the “responsible” student gives their combination to another student and allows someone else to use their locker.
The responsible thing to do (and the intent of HCPS cell phone policy) is to come to school, put the phone in the locker before school starts, leave it there the entire day, retrieve it at the end of the day and take it home. Therefore, you get what you want (your child to have the safety net of a cell phone for emergencies outside of school), and teachers get what they want (a classoom free of the distractions that cell phones cause). Do you disagree that this is a reasonable expectation?
ME says
We come back to, wasting time. why the hell should the school waste time micro-managing students. “Make sure your phone is in your locker” Make sure you have a pencil, make sure you wash your hands after you make poopies.
How much time do we have to waste with stupid rules. Don’t wear hats, don’t do this or that. Ban the phones, period. What has this world come to? kids have to have constant contact with helicopter parents. Most of us lived in an era where pagers where banned from schools, then cell phones after they became more popular. It was an expellable offence.
Now we live in an era where I see 6 year old kids walking down a road chatting on a phone.. with who, his baby sitter? and why is a 6 year old walking down 152 in the first place?
Parents, use your brains people. Wake up, take your kids phone, cancel the plan and tell them they don’t need it because THEY DONT!
Harco mom of 3 says
The rules are the rules and they are simple to follow. My sons have never had any problems with keeping their cell phones off in school. We live in an area in Harford County where I am not worried aobut their walk home from the bus stop either.
Aberdeen Parent says
Harco mom of 3 wrote and I quote:
We live in an area in Harford County where I am not worried aobut their walk home from the bus stop either.
LOL what a snobby thing to say. Don’t look up in the rain cause honey you a#$%^ will surly drown….
By the way Miss Snobby in case you havn’t looked outside your precious little world, CRIME IS EVERYWHERE.!!!!
Harco mom of 3 says
You have no idea where I might live, I could be your neighbor.
Middle School Mom says
WOW! I clicked on reply, but I am not even sure what to say to this. Congratulations for living in Utopia. Here in the real world, we deal not only with the crime that you seem to think is not happening in your neighborhood, but also with bullying from other kids.
My children are well aware of the rules. On the occasion that my daughter’s phone was taken by the office, she was punished at home for the infraction. I am not disputing that the rule exists, or that it should be followed while it is in place. I am simply stating that this rule should no longer be in place.
And FYI- unless your sons are in high school, the simple act of them carrying cell phones with them to school is breaking the rules.
Harco mom of 3 says
Yep, both were/are in high school when they got phones, never felt they needed one before that.
Concerned family member says
If we did not question rules or authority we would still be English to start off with. Rules, policies, are all well and good when they are updated to correspond with the times. The no cell phone rule in middle schools has been around since I was in middle school, and I am thirty. Yes there is only a miniscule chance of something happening to them which would require them to need their phone. However, in such an event…I would want my child to have their phone. I agree they should not be using them during the day. I agree that they should be confiscated during the day if the child cannot follow the rule. But it needs to be returned at the end of the school day. Parents are the first line of defence in teaching their children the propper use for their phones, and as such need to enforce it. Phone gets confiscated? Send a note home or call the parent. Let them know the circumstances. Suspend the student if necessary…cause I tell you right now…if my child’s phone were to be confiscated for the the year…and not returned to me as it should have been upon the time of infraction…I would be charging the school with theft. If something were to happen to my child after schooZl and it could have been prevented had they had their cell phone…you better believe…there would be hellfire rained down upon the school.
noble says
Seems to me Ms Gardner makes some really important points that should be considered during a reconsideration of HCPS policies. The phone ban should probably be removed. Confiscating the phones outside of school hours should also probably be removed. However, in doing so, you can’t completely disregard the importance of not allowing students use of the phones during school.
Seems to me the best policy would be to confiscate a phone during any class in which it is used or heard or seen, for the remainder of that class. Include a written notice to the school office for the misconduct, describing the nature, ie, alarm sounded, actual usage, seen on person, whatever. At the end of class give the phone back with a copy of the notice, copy of the policy, and tell the kid to give it to their parents. The first notice goes out from the school to the parents.
If it happens 3 times, the student is punished by whatever means is customary for other infractions, detention, suspension, whatever, and at that point the parents are notified AGAIN and that it will be confiscated on the next occurence and they will need to pick it up to get it back.
This process would allow parents to be informed, give them an opportunity to coach and discipline their child, and make them aware of the consequences well in advance.
If a parent cannot work within that process or something similar, they have little room to complain about having the phone confiscated, in my opinion.
Michelle Gardner says
Noble that sounds like an excellent solution; one that I can certainly live with! Thank you for taking the time to post your viewpoint!
SUGGESTION says
Ms. Gardner,
Is it possible for your son to leave his cell phone in his backpack/locker during the school day? This way, he will have it in his possession as he is going to and from school, but it will not go off in class. Just a suggestion.
Michelle Gardner says
I have discussed this with him also, but he is fearful because many items go missing from school lockers because (it has been said) that the combination locks don’t always get changed. Should his phone get stolen it would currently cost roughly $400 to replace.
pizzle says
I know it’s none of my business, but…..
My phone would cost about $100 to replace. What the heck does a kid need with a $400 phone?!?
Also, I should note that my phone doesn’t have a camera on it. Although those are getting harder and harder to find. Point is, if your son’s phone is for “emergency contact use”, why can’t he tote around a $59 econo-phone and keep it in his locker during the school day?
Michelle Gardner says
The reason my son has a smartphone is because of the life-saving and informative apps; especially the Lookout software which enables me to locate him on demand via GPS. It also allows me to lockdown his phone in the event of loss or theft and prevent a criminal from gaining personal information from his cell phone and/or any pictures on it–even if the simcard is replaced. It will also emit an audible screech sound to help in locating it if he misplaces it nearby. And this is just one of thousands of handy apps; there are first aid applications and also navigational apps so that he can find his way around no matter where he is–even on foot. He is a boy scout so he could be travelling anywhere in the country or even Canada. There are thousands of apps that could help him in any number of emergency situations.
nancy says
What kid needs a $400 cell phone with all those apps. Why don’t you worry about his behavior, grades,friends, etc and stop trying to make such a big deal. Your child was caught and the tax payers don’t want to replace your cell phone. A rule is a rule and it does not exempt your child. Get real!
Michelle Gardner says
Nancy, please enlighten me. What is it exactly my son was ‘caught’ doing? I am very real. Please try to explain to me the benefit of keeping his phone overnight versus returning it at the end of the day instead of the repetitious ‘a rule is a rule’ because I assure you, school policies have changed over the years. I do worry about his behavior, grades, and friends–not that I have to because again, he is a good kid. But I do monitor all of those things. I don’t want to burden the tax payers either and I’m trying to keep all of US from ever having to pay for a cell phone again because they would all go home with the students at the end of the day instead of staying on school premises to be subject to loss or damage. And lastly, I am making a point because my son’s safety is a big deal to me.
David A. Porter says
Are you suggesting she doesn’t concern herself with his behavior or performance in school? What kind of arrogance is that? It certainly is very ignorant of you.
Juno33 says
Wow Michelle, after reading all your comments I can only think your son has bigger issues than his phone. You are a great example of the misplaced priorities of helicopter parents. Are you reading what you write?
Michelle Gardner says
So then you believe my son’s safety to be a misplaced priority?
martha says
Wow Michelle are you selling IPhones? I am so impressed with all your fancy apps that can keep track of him. Nobody cares what phone your little student has. Just stop whining and go and get the phone at the schoik and stop making such a fuss. I hate to think what would happen when you have a real problem.
Common Sense says
I only paid 50 bucks for my phone… but if you go to a cell phone store and ask to purchase a phone outside of your 1-2 year contract… you will pay full retail. The retail on my phone is over 500 bucks. Most cell phone companies allow you to purchase insurance which will cover most expenses. However there are certain rules like most insurance companies as to what they will replace or cover.
happy teacher says
Michelle,
Why don’t you buy him a little cheap phone to use at school and then nobody will want to steal it That way he can call 911 at the end of the day and when he gets home he can use all his apps especially for boy scouts. You can let him play with all the special toys on his phone and not in school! Do you think the people reading your posts believe for a minute that your son does not use his cell phone in school. I know he tell you that but be realistic. He’s a kid and that’s what kids do. Stop making excuses for your child!
dmichaels76 says
If parents had the same degree of passion for making sure their kids did their homework and paid attention in class that they apparently have for insuring their kids aren’t denied the right to have cell phones in school our education system would be the best in the world.
David A. Porter says
You can have passion for both… they are not mutually exclusive ideals.
nancy says
Amen!
nancy says
Michelle and David,
Since you do not agree with the consequence of breaking the school policies regarding cell phones what do you think should happen to a child when he misuses his cell phone? There has to be one because the student broke a rule. How about a detention after school so you do not have to worry about where he is and then he can call you when he gets out. I am an educator and have to deal with daily and cell phones distract other students from getting their education when your child uses his cell phone. They are at school to get an education. Please see it from the point of the school!
Michelle Gardner says
Nancy; please read and comprehend; my son’s phone went off in his pocket because he forgot to turn it off when he left the house. He was not using it. He did not text, he did not call, he was not taking pictures, he was not cheating. His hands were on the desk. The phone was in his pocket. Are we clear on that? That being said. I would rather he serve detention if you truly feel the infraction of forgetfulness warrants it than for him to be sent home without his cell phone I would be happy to come get him–and his phone.
nancy says
Michelle,
Obviously if he does not turn off his cell phone and it rings it is an infraction of a school policy. It is a part of the rule whether he is texting, talking, or if a phone rings. Sorry but teachers and principals are not trying to be controlling ,they are just trying to teach the students that they have responsibility to follow the rule if they choose to bring a cell phone. It is reviewed the first day of school in their planner and they have to sign that they understand the rule. Educators are not trying to deny your son of a way to call you or 911. What do you think the school should do? Make your child the exception.
Michelle Gardner says
What’s wrong Nancy? Don’t you like your own suggestion? I thought detention was your idea, not mine???
beth says
Michele,
Please read the rules for a cell phone. If your son forgot to turn if off he is USING it! That is your problem, just come to the school and pick up your child and his phone and then he will not have to call 911 because he is being kidnapped, chased by a gang or if you had a landline it may be cut by home invasions. Please stop taking time a the BOE on petty issues!
David A. Porter says
When my son had his cellphone fall out of his pocket it was confiscated by his middle school vice principal. I was summoned to get it back and I was told it was against school policy. I said I understood the policy but I was very clear with Mr Gunnison that the school cannot guarantee the safety or security of my child and I choose to disagree and he will continue to carry his phone on him for that reason. Think what you like – it is your prerogative. Your criticisms are noted and dismissed because they violate my sense of responsibility to my son and my desire to keep him safe.
Michelle Gardner says
DMichaels…I can’t speak for those parents because I am concerned about my sons homework, grades, and that he is paying attention in class. Nearly all of his teachers comment every grading period that he ‘is a pleasure to have in class’ ‘works well with others’ etc. However, even parents that do not closely monitor their child’s progress are still concerned for their safety and well being. Just ask them if they would like their child to have the ability to dial 911 in an emergency.
Marge Thomas says
I cannot believe a student’s cell phone would be taken from him/her overnight. I do not believe students should be able to use phones during the day except for emergencies, but I do believe the students do need to have access to their phones especially when they leave school. I grew up in a time of innocence – but, unfortunately this is no longer the case as we all know. Children need to be safe and parents need the reassurance of knowing their child is safe by being able to contact them by phone if necessary. And vice versa – children need to be able to call their parents if necessary. It is unconscionable to me that adults in the school system would take this avenue of communication away from a parent and child without even confirming with the parent.
What happened to common sense, concern for the students and respect for the parents concerns?
I am very concerned about the school system taking a child’s cell phone overnight without any regards to a child’s line of communication for his/her safety and for the peace of mind of the parent.
marge
nancy says
Many students do not have cell phones and get along just fine. If they need to contact a parent they can go to the office which is open an hour after school. Students are given too much freedom with their cell phones by parents especially when they are still children. The comment about tornadoes and flood warnings is outrageous. Your child will not need to call 911, he is safe at school. Parents just want to get the cell phones back because their little darling needs it to do his homework and needs to get his friend to help him. Wake up! He can do without it for one night. Support the school!!
David A. Porter says
Policies exist in some cases for the simple desire to exact control – not to establish order or pursue the conduct of education. I have to agree with Michelle – would you be the Nancy Reynolds who asked me to moderate my tone when you couldn’t tell me where my son was? Even if you aren’t her… where do you get off disputing my desire to provide my son safe communication that I pay for that is unobtrusive? Give your kids paper cups and strings if you must since you like low tech solutions. My choice is not infringing on anyone else’ rights. And you are infringing on mine.
nancy says
The bottom line is that it is the policy of the school and they are not tyrants but have to have rules to ensure the safety of your child. If you do not want his cell phone taken then maybe the school could give him a detention for breaking a school rule. However you would still complain because you of course will not hold your child accountable because he is exempt from school rules! At least he can call you or 911! Good luck and have a great day!
David A. Porter says
What do you propose to know about the manner in which I hold my child accountable? Are you so arrogant to believe because I disagree with this policy that somehow I promote disrespect in my son’s life in every other area? You have issues with my cellphone decision and that’s fine – do not even begin to remotely characterize me as an unfit parent bringing an irresponsible child into this world. That is the domain of enabling parents who make no fuss when their child tells lies, fail to hold them accountable for hurting others, or encourage them to defy authority. It’s a cellphone, he keeps it off during the day and uses it only when he has to. And NO we do not have a landline in the house. Get over your ignorance and your arrogance.
Juno33 says
David, you need to change the tin foil hat on your head, its not blocking signals effectively.
Michelle Gardner says
Nancy; is he really safe at school from tornados? After 3pm? Which is the whole entire point of the original post–perhaps sometime you might read it, because I’ve pointed this out many, many times now. The whole issue is NOT during the hours of 8-3. Why do you fail to understand this??? What does it take to make you understand? You keep going back to what is happening during the school day. You keep saying you are a teacher, but if I tested you on the content of the original post I would be giving you an ‘F’ for every single comment because you are still talking about the school day. The issue is about my son having his phone to call 911 AFTER 3pm!
CDEV says
OK do you think teachers actively go looking for phones. NO they get taken when the teacher becomes aware of the phone because it rings or they are using it. The HCPS policy for HS allows the kid to bring it but for it to be off during the day. MS is a different matter my wife told me of a kid who did not like the manner in which she was corrected on her behavior she then asked to go to the bathroom and the kid came back to her room 20 minutes latter with her parent to the classroom. The kid used her cell phone to call the parent in the bathroom. If there is a real emergency during school call the office. The tornado excuse is bunk. Your kid is safe at school. If your concern is for when they are home then their cell phone is at home.
Michelle Gardner says
CDEV; please read the post..the issue is not so much about the policy during school hours; the bigger issue is keeping the phone overnight when a child has no method of communication or dialing 911 in the event of an emergency. The tornado problem is no excuse at all and actually DID happen in the last tornado warning. I spent an hour running around looking for my son because he did not have his cell phone and his friend’s grandmother took all the kids in the house he was at and drove them to another house with a basement for their safety.
nancy says
It is the school’s rule that you cannot have your cell phone out and to keep it silent. The students have been told over and over about this policy and if they do not do what is expected then they and the parents should expect the phone to be kept overnight. Another problem is parents texting their child during classes. What kind of example is that for your child when you know that the students cannot text during class. If the phone is taken it is not the school’s fault about little Johnny not having his cell phone after school. Please make your child accountable and teach him/her that they must follow rules or they are in trouble for life!
Michelle Gardner says
My child is very accountable and he is LIKED by his teachers. But show me a child who has never forgotten anything. Good luck. Nancy, can you honestly sit there and say that a child basically ‘deserves whatever tragedy may befall them after school’ if they make the ‘haneous mistake’ of forgetting to turn off their phone one day at school? Abduction, fatal injury, gang violence, natural disaster, whatever, doesn’t matter—if they forget to turn that phone off, they deserved it? Really? Do you have any children or do you just see them all as a bad day at work? Your last name wouldn’t be Reynolds would it?
nancy says
What does your child being liked by his friends and teachers have anything to do with cell phones He broke a rule and he has a consequence. You need to support the school and stop trying to get around a policy just because your child got caught. I have already raised 3 children in Harford County Schools and one of my children had his phone taken. I told him it was a school rule and that there are consequences for breaking them. He did not get abducted,get attacked by a gang, and there was no natural disaster. What he did get was a lesson that there are rules and he is no exception. Support your administrator because obviously you are not being a good example for your child. Don’t you want your child to learn from his mistakes.!
Michelle Gardner says
My child is very accountable and he is LIKED by his teachers. But show me a child who has never forgotten anything. Good luck. Nancy, can you honestly sit there and say that a child basically ‘deserves whatever tragedy may befall them after school’ if they make the ‘heineous mistake’ of forgetting to turn off their phone one day at school? Abduction, fatal injury, gang violence, natural disaster, whatever, doesn’t matter—if they forget to turn that phone off, they deserved it? Really? Do you have any children or do you just see them all as a bad day at work? Your last name wouldn’t be Reynolds would it?
Michelle Gardner says
My child is very accountable and he is LIKED by his teachers. But show me a child who has never forgotten anything. Good luck. Nancy, can you honestly sit there and say that a child basically ‘deserves whatever tragedy may befall them after school’ if they make the ‘heinous mistake’ of forgetting to turn off their phone one day at school? Abduction, fatal injury, gang violence, natural disaster, whatever, doesn’t matter—if they forget to turn that phone off, they deserved it? Really? Do you have any children or do you just see them all as a bad day at work? Your last name wouldn’t be Reynolds would it?
RobJam says
I can only hope you’re using hyperbole to make a point and you’re not serious. The alternative is pretty creepy.
Michelle Gardner says
My concern is for my son’s safety and Nancy if he forgets to turn off his cell phone that I need to just accept and deal with the fact that a) I won’t have any way of knowing-unless his new school notifies me which his old school would not. b)he will have absolutely no way of communicating with me, or 911 in the event of an emergency. Yes, I listed some worst case scenarios but if you think it doesn’t happen, read the papers. I bet the parents of those unfortunate children thought it wouldn’t happen to them either. I do the best I can to insure my son has every opportunity to get help and I don’t appreciate it when someone takes that away from him. Please tell me exactly what benefit the teachers and the school derive from keeping his cell phone overnight locked up in the office instead of taking it just for the school day?
Michelle Gardner says
My concern is for my son’s safety and Nancy is saying that if he forgets to turn off his cell phone that I need to just accept and deal with the fact that a) I won’t have any way of knowing-unless his new school notifies me which his old school would not. b)he will have absolutely no way of communicating with me, or 911 in the event of an emergency. Yes, I listed some worst case scenarios but if you think it doesn’t happen, read the papers. I bet the parents of those unfortunate children thought it wouldn’t happen to them either. I do the best I can to insure my son has every opportunity to get help and I don’t appreciate it when someone takes that away from him. Please tell me exactly what benefit the teachers and the school derive from keeping his cell phone overnight locked up in the office instead of taking it just for the school day?
Michelle Gardner says
My comment about him ‘being liked by his teachers’ was in response to your assumption that he is some kind of ‘problem child’ in your comment: “The students have been told over and over about this policy and if they do not do what is expected then they and the parents should expect the phone to be kept overnight.” What exactly is the consequence for ‘forgetfulness’ and as the example setter, what do you do to show your children ‘you get what you deserve’ when you forget something? Again, it’s not about what happens during the day at the classroom. There should be no consequence by a school that prevents a child from making a 911 call—especially after school hours.
David A. Porter says
Kept overnight? Are you for real? Where do you get off denying someone else’ property for a non criminal offense that is simply a ridiculous over reaching school policy. They are not law enforcement and you need stop acting like they are the end all and be all of moral authority for anyone but instead educators that have an obligation to dispense knowledge and not mandate who can have and not have a legal device paid for by their parents to protect them. Get off your authoritarian pedestal before I take away your birthday.
nancy says
The administrators and educators must have rules to follow or can you imagine what chaos we would have in the schools. Why don’t you as parents teach your children at home that life is not fair and that they have to follow rules. If that is not taught how can you expect them to follow the policies. There are so many more important things to worry about than whether the school keeps your child’s cell phone. It is only for a few hours and the school will let your child call you to tell you he had his phone taken so you do not have to worry about him being unable to commuicate with you! Please do not sweat the small stuff because there is so much more to life.
Michelle Gardner says
Nancy, please do not assume that we as parents do not teach our children that ‘life is not fair’ I most certainly do. I also teach him that people in authority can make mistakes, change their minds, break the law, and be incompetent. He knows not to blindly ‘follow the leader’. He also knows, that this is an issue I am taking on myself. He still turns his phone over and I have to disagree with you Nancy—for the last three years, school administrators have blatently refused to contact me or allow him to contact me when they take his phone until recently after they became aware that I had contacted the president of the PTA. And now that my son has only one month left in that school and moves on to high school in September–NOW they have agreed to contact me.
CDEV says
Yes and educators are expected to maintain order inn their classroom and provide an enviornment conducive to learning. Random ringing is not conducive to that. The rule is no cell phones in MS….. PERIOD. The practicality is out of sight out of mind. You don’t get to have your kid deprive another kid of their education because you need to keep a leash on them. What did you do when the random tornados went around when you where a kid?
CDEV says
Hold on I thought his phone had only been taken like twice….Now you seem to indicate this is a pattern of them taking his phone. Seems to me he is not learning to turn the thing off when he gets to school. Perhaps he should learn to do that!
Michelle Gardner says
Yes, CDEV, I said and I quote ‘once or twice a year’ for the three years he has been in middle school.
Michelle Gardner says
CDEV; so you are saying that since cell phones were not available to ME as a child, that my son should not have one to dial 911 or call me and let me know that the air raid sirens are going off (while I’m an hour away from home at work) and that I might want a family member to come pick him up so that he’s not alone in a natural disaster? Is that about right?
CDEV says
WHat I am saying very plainly is you lived without a cell phone. If you want him to have one fine but the rule is the rule and since you don’t care to follow them perhaps you should not be suprised when he feels it is OK to break other rules!
B says
Air raid sirens? Damn, you live in a scary world…kids being abducted left and right, those who aren’t abducted get beat up by gangs, and those who actually make it have to deal with a home invasion where they’re cutting the land line to your house, and if they manage to make it through there they gotta worry about the Delaware Air National Guard conducting bombing raids in Harford County.
You people are nuts.
Michelle Gardner says
You’re right. It is a scary world. If you doubt me, spend some time with Sheriff Bane. You might want to ask him why his department is spending so much of their time promoting Neighborhood watches, and teaching HC residents about gang problems and how to deal with it, and reporting to community councils on crime statistics, and why he is building a great big new station on Route 40 and what the projected crime statistics are. Or do you think he’s nuts too?
B says
I have a feeling I know quite a bit more about gangs, home invasions, etc than you do. There are gang problems in this county, particularly in a couple neighborhoods in Edgewood and educating the public is one part of combating them. Neighborhood Watches also help keep citizens involved and can help reduce crime…assuming of course that the people in a neighborhood give a crap (which unfortunately in some areas not enough people do…slumlords renting out to anyone with a pulse who can make a couple rent payments is a big problem in certain areas.)
As far as the new precinct goes…have you ever been in the current southern precinct? That place is way too small for the number of officers working out it. There aren’t even enough chairs for everyone to be able to sit down for roll call (and even if there were enough chairs, there’s not enough room for them in any single room in the building…) There are 100+ officer working out of a building the size of a small 7-11. The building also has serious maintenance issues, no secure locations to hold prisoners (as secure as it gets is an eyebolt screwed into a wall that a particularly uncooperative or combative prisoner can be handcuffed to.) The new precinct is very much needed and long overdue.
In any case, I happen to agree with some of what you’re saying (keeping the cell phone overnight shouldn’t really be happening unless the kid is using it during the day and there shouldn’t be any reason under any circumstances for the schools to be confiscating a cell phone for an entire year.) The problem is you and Porter just jumped off the deep end, fed into each others nuttier side and your posts got more and more absurd every time you said anything (landlines frequently being cut during home invasions? Yea…in Hollywood…)
CDEV says
Sorry there are rules that need to be followed. If the phone had been off no problem! The problem arises because many parents seem to get the phone and give it to their kids with no consequence and the behavior simply repeats itself. The inconvienence of you getting the phone might lead to you imposing consequences on your kid.
David A. Porter says
And we proudly and calmly deal with the consequences, with or without your blessing. The one instance when I was summoned to the middle school vice principal’s office was because the phone fell out of his pocket (Turned Off). He informed me of the policy, and I informed him of mine, and he acknowledged that the school cannot protect my son.
David A. Porter says
CDEV, the middle school was unable to assure me where my son was when they dismissed him. I would not trust them to run a pound let alone expect them to be responsible for the care of my son. That is my responsibility… and my choice is to provide my son a cellphone and fence with the ignorant administrators when the time comes. They can always ban me from the middle school again… except my son is now in high school where it is permitted – as long as it does not interfere with class. DO you know these people even forbade my son from having a mechanical pencil for reasons that are not clear to me? And what’s the deal with bake sales? This state is the most timid place I have ever lived and yet the most strident in regulating the rights of others.
CDEV says
Well……Porter does he ride a bus? Once school is dismissed they transport him to a place for youthe rest is your sun.
RYAN says
And I am sure David that they locked your son in the dungeon! Listen to yourself and read what you write. If you do not like the FREE public education for your child, please put him in a private school and then you can tell the principals and teachers what to do or better yet teach him at home. You can be his teacher and principal and deal with the cell phone business. The school has more important issues to deal with than your little problem. You need to expand your tiny universe!
David A. Porter says
A lot of people throwing around suggestions of where my son can go to school simply because I disagree with them about the school cellphone policy. DO you people really have that much hate in you to take the time for personal attacks? You must be all such good “Christians”… I wonder if Jesus would permit his son to carry a cellphone on him – oh right! Jesus son would be omniscient and not need a cellphone…. got me on a religious technicality. But I bet he would let me let my son keep the cellphone… after all he did stop a woman from being stoned when policy called for it.
martha says
David,
Read what you write about other’s comments because they do not agree with you. You are the rude one and seem to be the one full of hate. Yelling at school officials in front of your son and making nasty remarks about the school system. I am a Chrisitan and teach my children values and the right way to approach a problem but not by attacking people. Calm down and take a deep breath and get your cell phone and call your son and then register him for John Carroll. Problem solved and you can worry about something really important!
David A. Porter says
Dear, you are the second person with the mistaken impression that I yelled at anyone, let alone in front of my son. Perhaps you could benefit by taking the blinders off and reading what was written… or at least stop embellishing with what you think happened. Are you really that illiterate or just ignorant?
nancy says
As stated by other comments, the liklihood of having to call 911 is very slim. Once again schools and society have rules that have to be followed!
Michelle Gardner says
And many times rules will be changed.
David A. Porter says
Nancy… see my comment about colored drinking fountains. You are living in the past, and seem to be happy and ignorant of the future or anything else new and different from your little atomic shelter.
nancy says
Cell phones are not the most important things that students and parents need to be worried about. All parents are concerned with their child’s safety and a cell phone after school is not a guarantee of their safety. All we were saying is that many students in the past and today in our schools do not have cell phones and are safe and happy. Parents need to worry about what your child is doing with his phone. For example who is he texting or what pictures he is taking. If your child has a cell phone in school- he is texting and taking pictures. Don’t fool yourself, majority of the students do even if they tell you they are not doing it. Wake up! I teach in a high school and deal with this everyday. Once again support the school and teach your kids right from wrong.
Michelle Gardner says
My son’s teachers all get my contact information on ‘Back To School’ night and I invite them to contact me at any time for any infraction. On the very few occasions–I can think of three times in three years of middle school–when I was contacted by teachers and my son was ‘talking in class’ he was reprimanded instantly and had privileges revoked. I did not argue with the teachers in these incidents and I thanked them for contacting me and invited them to do so again if there was any more problem. Not a single one of them had any need to contact me a second time.
CDEV says
Yes and your kid got a handbook with a rule in it about not having cell phones. You have taught him that he can ignore the rule. On a whim go get your kids phone. You are the parent and look at his texts and see how many he sent this week between 7:45 and 2:40 you sure it is zero?
Michelle Gardner says
I would appreciate it if you would stop judging my son–whom you do not know–by already telling me to stop ‘fooling myself’ and proceeding to accuse my son of wrongdoing before he is even in high school–then perhaps teaching is not the job for you. It would seem that according to you, there is no such thing as a student who might actually be innocent of malice and wrongdoing.
CDEV says
Not judging your son. We are judging his mom!
Aberdeen Parent says
WHO MADE CDEV JUDGE AND JURY. Only the mighty one has the right to judge anyone. Ever heard the saying: People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones? I am certain you are of such high moral charcter that you have never made a bad decision. LOL what dribble!!!!
Cdev says
First off no one made me a judge and jury. Just expressing my opinion with my 1st ammendment right to do so. I have made mistakes but I realize that there maybe consequences and I accept that! I also know how to use the off button on my phone!
David A. Porter says
Nancy… a sweeping generalization made by a person who clearly believes the vast majority of people misbehave and do wrong therefore everyone should suffer the same characterization. My son’s cellphone is off when he enters the school. Perhaps you should learn moderation Nancy. I’m told it does wonders for people who may be unruly, upset, closed minded or just plain opinionated.
NLN says
I agree with Nancy. HELLO! YOUR CHILD WAS USING HIS PHONE OR IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN TAKEN. STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR THE CHILD AND ENCOURAGE HIM TO FOLLOW THE RULES. WHY IS YOUR CHILD ANY DIFFERENT THAN ANOTHER STUDENT. MAYBE YOU NEED TO NOTIFY THE SCHOOL AND LET THEM KNOW YOUR CHILD IS MORE SPECIAL THAN ALL THE OTHER 100’S OF OTHER STUDENTS!
Michelle Gardner says
On the contrary NLN. Della posted asking if could get an exception for my son based on medical reasons. I said I did not want my son to be an exception to the rule. Please see the actual issue at hand.
Michelle Gardner says
To everyone in the education system. Please understand, I did not approach the hearing with any malice, demands, or angry words. ‘I come in peace’…okay? No one has explained to me thus far what benefit the teacher derives by my son’s cell phone sitting locked up in the office overnight. There is no difference in the outcome whatsoever. He did not intend to disrupt the class, nor would he ever. It does not help his memory whatsoever so chances are, he may continue to forget to turn off his cell phone once or twice a year as he did before. I understand that you may have experienced unruly, misbehaving children in your tenure but my son is not one of them so lashing out at me for trying to make sure he can dial 911 does not help your cause. I do appreciate teachers, and I realize you have a hard job, I realize you often go unappreciated. I’m not trying to make it any harder. I know that it’s not easy to manage a classroom full of children all day and I can say that from years of experience managing large groups of children–without their parents present—in various situations. I just want to make sure my son has access to 911, and I don’t see how keeping his phone overnight helps your cause. Like I said if he forgets to turn it off, take it for the class or even the day, just let him take it home with him when he leaves. That’s all I ask.
CDEV says
Here is the benefit. The school has a rule. Parents often think the rule does not apply to their kid. Claim to not know when it becomes a recurring pattern or no one told them it was a problem. By confiscating it and holding it until you can come it it forces you to be made aware that your kids phone, which he shouldn’t have had, was taken. It makes you aware every time you take some time out of your day to go get it. The benefit is you are not out of the loop.
Michelle Gardner says
The school has 5 cards worth of contact data in order to ‘keep me in the loop’ once or twice a year. And as I said, the only difference to me is that I walk an extra 20 feet, go through two doors and sign a clipboard. And for that you want to prevent my son from having the ability to dial 911 for 24 hours?
CDEV says
And you have a book with rules in it follow them!
David A. Porter says
Sometimes CDEV the rules are there just waiting to be changed by a more enlightened reality. I wouldn’t expect you to understand this.
one more former student says
I see the whiners are starting again. Yes , even when I went to school, and there was an early dismissal due to weather, I got on the bus I was supposed to and went home. If I drove , I drove home, not to a friends, or the mall. I had this thing called rules, and I followed them. Students today laugh at them, and when they get caught, their parents do the ” not MY son/daughter” ; and then make excuses.
If kids have a cell phone on in school , they are not learning ,they are distracted and they WILL use it to cheat. PERIOD. that happens.
The schools and Board of Ed need a policy, if you are caught with a phone ON during the school day, you will recieve a ZERO for all assignments, tests and projects turned in or done that day, all classes. NO exceptions.
then the students can have their phone for before and after school, and for safety. doesnt take long to turn it on.
Then the next step is to get the parents to re-enforce the school at home instead of complaining.
Michelle Gardner says
My son’s phone went off in his pocket. I’m curious what kind of cheating he could be doing that way….he’s a smart kid, but the only thing he knows in morse code is S.O.S…
CDEV says
Your kid take the HSA? If it accidently goes off in that room you get to pay for the retake for every kid in the room. Maybe he needs to learn how to use the off button before High School!
David A. Porter says
Didi you read what she wrote or are you just so full of venom you can’t help but blather mindlessly as a response to a remark that in theory you support?
Cdev says
Yes and I am simply stating a fact. The policy on cell phones in HSA tests which is actually written into COMAR would have her child and all other childrens scores in that room invalidated and pss the cost of the retake for those kids onto her! BTW they have to write a new test for that and she gets to share that cost as well. I believe they run in the 10o’s of thousands of dollars!
B says
should be the entire county, all the tests in diffrent schools are going on at the same time
Jerry says
Michelle,
All you have done on this thread is make excuses. PERIOD. Be a parent and stop blaming the school’s policies for not doing YOUR job.
David A. Porter says
We are doing our jobs Jerry. Please either get out of our way or quietly accept the fact that you do not dictate how we handle our children. I’m sure if we had the chance we could offer improvements to your unenlightened parenting.
happy teacher says
David,
Just stick to the topic! No one cares where you work, lived, or position you held in the Boy Scouts. The issue is the administrator taking a student’s cell phone overnight when it is misused at school which includes PHONE RINGING, TEXTING, TALKING,HAVING THE PHONE OUT, CHECKING THE TIME OR EVEN CARRYING IT IN A BACKPACK OR PURSE. It is to be placed in the locker when the child gets to school and taken out when the child leaves. I think that covers everything. It is an official policy of Harford County Public Schools which needs to be followed. Just have your child turn off the cell phone and place it in his locker. If he needs a reminder maybe he should set his alarm of the phone to remind him. It will be safe and then he will have it to call 911 after school. How simple that is and then your problem should be solved. Majority of the students have no difficulty following this rule and are very responsible. If it works for them I am sure your child can do the same! Please stop attacking the principals and the teachers because they are following the policy of the county.
happy teacher says
David,
Why don’t you just tell your child to turn off his phone and leave it in his locker and that way he will not get his phone taken. You need to make him aware of what is expected of him in school. From your post it appears that you were a little upset at an administrator who was just trying to guide your child. I suppose you went in to the school calm and collected and never raised your voice and with your child in tow! What a great thing to do at your child’s school where everyone will know and then he will be mortified. Poor kid!
David A. Porter says
Happy happy teacher… it sounds like you are unhappy teacher. My son keeps his phone off in his pocket. Putting it in his locker would do him no good when something came up away from his locker. Please reserve your enthusiasm for the classroom and please enlighten my child and the others you teach about the value of dissent in an open society. Because this column is taking on the dimensions of hate pure and simple just because two people disagree with you and your clones.
David A. Porter says
The wheels have come off your buggy. The issue was keeping the phone overnight and preventing the parent or child from retrieving it at the end of the day. My son and her son both keep their phones off in their pockets intentionally and as they are told. We provide the phones for their safety and our peace of mind. We choose to disagree with the policy implemented in the middle school to confiscate and keep it over night. They do not have that right. And neither do you.
CDEV says
Off phones do not ring!
David A. Porter says
Was that supposed to be a supportive response or one that was merely intended to refute my prior comment but failed to hit the target because you were responding to what you think about the author and not the content of what he wrote?
nancy says
That will take care of worrying about whether a child can have access to call 911. That way they can complain about his grades and education which are far more important than a cell phone. Please stop trying to fight the educators and support them because they care for your children for almost 8 hours a day and you should teach them to respect rules for their own good.
David A. Porter says
Yes… they have demonstrated to me countless times their sincere devotion to the best interest of my child while simultaneously irritating me with their lack of accountability. I see your point now… how could I have missed it before? Have you read anything here from either Michelle or myself about the callous way our kids were treated or how we were regarded when we questioned them about their decisions?
oldteacher says
The rules are set, and yes maybe your child didn’t mean to break them but there are many kids who do. We can’t have different sets of rules for kids in the same class. I am sorry your son’s do you want the school to start picking and choosing who to punish?
The rule may need to be looked at, but come on the scare tactics aren’t really effective. Kids can go to the office and call, and if your son’s friend’s grandmother took him somewhere why wouldn’t you be upset with her for not contacting you?
Bottom line is this the phones are a huge distraction in the class and to the kids. Go spend time in a high school and watch the kids they can’t go 5 mins without checking their phone. You can’t tell me that the times have changed so much that kids need an update every 5 mins from their friends or family. I have a phone and a kid and believe it or don’t check my phone all day. If his school needs me they call my workplace. For those parents who encourage their kids not to follow the rules because you don’t like them I don’t think that helps the situation at all.
David A. Porter says
I would expect you to be intelligent enough to discern a person who’s phone was used unobtrusively as opposed to a deliberate obstruction of instruction. And if you can’t discern the difference between those acts based on personal observation then maybe you really do need other people to think for you.
Michelle Gardner says
I don’t encourage my son to not follow rules and I don’t contact him all day either. He is to call me when he gets home. That’s it. This has nothing to do with calling or texting during the day and for the record, my son doesn’t even like texting. Family members are always trying to get him to respond in Facebook and he never updates that either. For having a very high-tech Mom, I have a low-tech kid. It really is only out of necessity and he is very happy to leave it in his pocket. He does not want to be bothered by texting and often ignores text messages when he is at home.
CDEV says
Yes you do..You send him to school with a cell phone when the rule is NO cell phones! You start off with the rule is not important and then are mad about consequences!
Michelle Gardner says
I do not tell my son rules are not important. We all have priorities. My son’s safety and well being are mine. As I said in an earlier statement, I will be happy to not send my son to school with his cell phone if you can tell me how to arrange for him to have it at the end of the school day so that in the event his school and all their rules don’t just dump him off on the curb again with no way to get home, etc. he can call me like he did the last time and I can leave work or have someone pick him up. Where were all your wonderful rules that day CDEV? And where were they when David Porter’s son got on a Tae Kwan Do van instead of a school bus? The rules are not perfect.
CDEV says
You do tell him they are not important by your example. The rule says NO cell phones and you give a cell phone and tell him to take it school. What do you call that?
Michelle Gardner says
And what were the consequences for those adults who miserably failed our children? NADA. ZIP. ZERO. Not even lip service. Let’s not play favorites now….a rule is a rule…
Michelle Gardner says
Well? What is your response to the failure of ‘The Rules’..? Because I know administrators have them too but apparently it’s okay with you if they errantly abandon children on the curb or send them off in an unauthorized vehicle as was the case with at least two children in HCPS. But I know, none of the educators want any of that to get out–especially with the looming budget cuts.
joe says
Right Michelle. Educators abandon students on the curb all the time. You are ridiculous. You want a phone for 911, leave one at your home. If your child is to thick in the head to know how to turn off his cell phone, tough luck when it gets taken away. You want to whine and complain because your child broke the rules and you hide behind this pathetic “oh my gosh, children can’t call 911 because the schools have their phones,” nonsense. The rule exists for a reason, you don’t even have a problem with the rule, you have a problem with the consequence. Don’t like the consequene, don’t break the rule. If they change the rule you will cry about that. Perhaps they should just suspend your child, then you will complain about that. Be a parent. Teach your child to turn their phone off and follow the rules. I am sick and tired of people like you blaming everyone else and deflecting from the real issue. Your child broke a rule, start there first instead of whining to the schoolboard about how “unsafe” the consequence is for break this rule.
David A. Porter says
Read the other posts CDEV. There are mitigating factors present here besides the blind following of a school policy. And if you are willing to blindly follow the dictates of others without giving them some thought yourself, does that indicate you have given up the ability to discern right from wrong but are now dependent on being told what to believe by others?
Cdev says
I read the article and posts. What mitigating factors are there for breaking the rule? There are mitigating factors for the school to take it when the phone causes a disruption by going off in the classroom!
Michelle Gardner says
You’re right, it wouldn’t be fair to be selective ….that’s why it’s important to me that ALL children have the ability to dial 911 when they leave school–even the ones that misbehave.
Michelle Gardner says
David Porter; I don’t know you, but I am grateful that you have shared your experience and views on this subject. I invite you to join me as I have taken this matter up with county, state, and federal officials in order to spread awareness and have gained some traction. It may be that parents such as we who have had bad experiences with the school system, may need to bring them to light in order to help prevent them from happening to other children. You and any other parents with similar experiences may feel free to contact me at: gardner_mm@yahoo.com
joe says
They all can dial 911, just not on their cell phone if it was used inappropriately. Your argument is crap. In the real world if you break a rule AKA law you are held accountable for your actions. IE: You break too many traffic laws your license is suspended. You don’t get to have a car for emergency usage, your license is suspended, period. You want your son to have a cell phone, make sure he is responsible enough to follow the rules. If he can’t he shouldn’t have it. Really not that hard of a concept. And to you Porter, what emergency is going to happen at school that your kin would need their own cell phone? You do realize in the case of a true emergency you won’t even be able to get near the school. The police will have a perimeter set up and no one will get in. The school has a responsibility to protect and account for all students and well meaning parents who all show up because their kids called or texted via a cell phone just bring more chaos/confusion/danger to an already tenuous situation in the case of a true emergency.
Michelle Gardner says
Joe, do we really need to cite arguments in the contrary? Columbine etc? But that’s not even what we’re talking about. And yes, emergencies do happen such as the tornado warnings I spoke about and even if he gets home, I don’t have a land line and guess what? Neither do the neighbors because we all have cell phones and don’t need to be tethered to a land line and pay an extra bill. As I stated earlier, I drop my son off at school having me sign a clipboard and the admin to hand him his phone right back did exactly what? Nothing. What did happen is he did not have any way to communicate in the event of an emergency when he got on the bus the day before.
CDEV says
So let me get this straight if COlumbine happened at your kids school how would a cell phone have helped or you rushing to the school have helped?
Michelle Gardner says
CDEV; I never-ever–repeat–never mentioned anything about rushing to the school. I’m pretty sure, that it was said in several school incident reports….that the students calling 911 from their cell phones helped to bring about a quicker response from law enforcement AND having several callers in different areas helped them to pinpoint the suspects, identify the number of suspects, etc.
CDEV says
Funny 911 happened and I remember phones made it hard for anyone to figure anything out. There was so much cell phone traffic the towers in DC didn’t work!
David A. Porter says
Did it occur to you there were students using their cellphones at Columbine to alert people about the whereabouts of the people who were trying to kill them? Is there any other scenario you care to twist to show how useless the device is for a child in danger? A child who may be beyond the reach of authorities to aid him or her in their attempt to get help? Please twist some more… it makes you look willfully ignorant.
CDEV says
See you just signed the clip board and did not seem to talk to your kid about how to turn off a phone. If he can not hit a simple off button how is he going to make a cordinated dial of 10 digits and a send button?
nancy says
Joe, you could not have said it better!
David A. Porter says
And Joe, when they fail their responsibility to be accountable for my son, should I then sue them? Should I sue the police for their failure to protect me from crime? Or do I try to take matters into my own hands to mitigate the potential for harm and damage? For a severely conservative county a lot of you folks seem to rely heavily on authority figures to help you out of your little crises. But are you actually paying the cost associated with the nanny state you endorse? Do you have any personal accountability for yourself or do you leave everything to fate and God and the flawed human administrators of the school?
dmichaels76 says
Wow, David…I have to say, I’m pretty impressed at the level of intensity you’re taking towards this whole issue. Not that I blame you or anything; after all, this is a cell phone we’re talking about. Our founding fathers would be mortified to find that some school administrator would deny a child their basic human right to have a cell phone in school.
Your analogy of denying a kid their cell phone in school with having racially segregated water fountains was dead on! Where’s the social progress??? Where’s the civil rights movement when this kind of oppression is RAMPANT in our government controlled educational system???
You go, David! Don’t let the MAN tell you how to raise your kids. You GIVE them that cell phone, and tell them to be PROUD to use it!
David A. Porter says
Reading your rant reminds me of the vitriol and hyperbole that has become the norm for intelligent debate in this country. Thank you for sharing.
frankly speaking says
I’d never thought I would agree with Porter, but the man has made some points that can’t be refuted. A child remains the parent’s responsability and the school domain in the school grounds doesn’t trump his rights as a parent.
dmichaels76 says
I totally agree. The schools have NO right to trump the parents. If the parents want to let their daughters come to school wearing lingerie, that’s their business. And if the parents allow their kids to use the F-word freely in conversation, what right does the school have to tell the parent they are wrong? Next thing you know the schools will feel like they have the right to stop kids from making out in the hallways and from smoking in the bathrooms.
Totally out of control, these school teachers and principals. Who do they think they are inflicting their values on other people’s kids?
Juno33 says
Then let David home school his spawn.
David A. Porter says
Perhaps that would be better than to share the public schools with so many people who fail to stand up for their rights.
dmichaels76 says
Two weeks ago I was called in for jury duty. As I came in the courthouse, they told me I couldn’t bring my cell phone in and that I would have to take it back to my car. Can you believe that??? Who do those people think they are? Since when does the government have the right to tell me I can’t have a cell phone for my private use in ANY building? What if there was a tornado or an earthquake while I was on the jury and I had to call my wife to tell her not to set a plate out for me for dinner that night? TRAGIC!
See? It’s a slippery slope! First they’re telling kids they can’t have them in school, now they’re telling tax paying adult citizens they can’t have them in the courthouse! It’s a government conspiracy, I tell you! We are just an Iphone confiscation away from fascism!!!
Michelle Gardner says
A court of law with law enforcement personnel in place armed with weapons certainly does not put you in a dangerous situation. I would like to see the odds on that one. Let’s not get carried away in comparing that against a 13 year old who has to walk home from the bus stop and spend up to 6 hours with no way of calling 911—or anyone at all—in the event of an emergency. You can see evidence in the news of children in dangerous situations—not so much with the jury duty.
dmichaels76 says
I don’t know, Michelle. There are all kinds of bad people who are hanging out around the courthouse, like criminals and stuff. Who knows what could happen? I mean, why do you think they have those guys carrying guns in the first place? And besides, what if a tornado was coming and I had no way of calling my kid at school (who would have a cell phone because I tell him “screw the school rules!”) to tell him not to come home because the house was gone?
And what of my civil rights? Why does the government have the right to take away my cell phone in a courthouse? I’m telling you, I think you and David have touched on some very serious issues here. I don’t think most people realize the implications like you and David and I do. You let the school dictate your kids cell phone use, the next thing you know we’re all walking goosestep.
David A. Porter says
Thanks for your enlightened contribution to what used to be an intelligent discussion.
dmichaels76 says
What do you mean? I’m in total agreement with you, David! I mean, I have no doubt that when you went in to talk to the principal that you were very calm, kind, and rational, and those people were just outright rude and condescending to you. I don’t know why they randomly pick people like yourself to subject to their power trips.
I think the schools should exempt your kids from their stupid rules. If other people don’t mind that their kids are subjected to the whims of government puppets, good for them. But your kids should be allowed to follow only the rules that YOU decide they should.
David A. Porter says
By the way… the cellphones are allowed to be in the courthouse now, just turned off while court is in session.
David A. Porter says
I’m going to say this again since you seem Hell bent on misleading people about the court and its restrictions on cellphones. Cellphones can be on your person in the courthouse… they cannot be turned on in court lest you risk the wrath of a the judge who I witnessed offering a contempt of court charge to the guy who did bring a cellphone inside. Your statement about having it confiscated is false at the current time…. then again, they may have singled you out for other reasons that are becoming obvious here.
DW says
They used to tell you that you can’t bring cell phones into the courthouse (and the sign still says no camera phones which is virtually every cell phone these days.) I don’t think they ever confiscated your phone at the door, though, just told you to go put it in your car. I’m pretty sure that now they just tell you to turn it off when you go through security and to leave it off. The bailiff also usually makes an announcement in the courtroom about making sure your phone is off before the judge comes out…and even then people still seem to think that they can just leave it on during court (at least until someone calls them and their phones rings in front of the judge.)
This entire topic has been blown way out of proportion by both sides. The schools shouldn’t be keeping cell phones overnight (and not at all if a parent can get there that day to sign for it.) Taking a phone until the end of the day and having the kid pick it up at dismissal is fine (and if the kid forgets to do so that’s the kid’s fault, not the school’s) when the kid is sitting in class texting, surfing the web, etc.
Unfortunately for the parents who try to be responsible there are quite a few who aren’t and think that’s it’s perfectly acceptable to call their children during class or think that the school has no authority to regulate what can and can’t be done on school grounds.
As for kids being just left on the curb by teachers and administration…assuming it actually happened exactly the way it was described, it’s not a common occurrence. What sort of response you got from school personnel probably had a lot to do with how you initially spoke to them. Maybe you didn’t think what you were saying or how you were saying it was unreasonable, but if they just blew you off (and ended up banning you from the school) you probably were getting out of control.
David A. Porter says
You weren’t there and you haven’t met the self righteous people I have met in this community. I suggest you stop blaming my tone or my demeanor. No one should suggest to me they will deny me help when trying to locate my son. Only an idiot would write that in a letter. Another author here was correct about a potential lawsuit. I wrote Dr Haas later and asked her how she would have liked this if it played out in the Aegis. Mr Benedetto and Mrs Reynolds were out of line, and if they can’t handle a concerned parent trying to find their son or daughter, and tell therm to leave the school, they are simply being arrogant.
dmichaels76 says
The only thing I can see that is becoming obvious is that I have more “well loved” comments than you, but I don’t think they will make me give up my cell phone at the courthosue because of this.
Then again, you seem to be pretty well versed on this crucial issue, so who am I to question your expertise? If I were the superintendent I would appoint you “Assistant Superintendent of Security With Individual Personal Electronics”. Since they are big on acronyms in education, feel free to figure yours out.
dmichaels76 says
The only thing I can see that is becoming obvious is that I have more “well loved” comments than you, but I don’t think they will make me give up my cell phone at the courthosue because of this.
Then again, you seem to be pretty well versed on this crucial issue, so who am I to question your expertise? If I were the superintendent I would appoint you “Assistant Superintendent of Security With Individual Personal Electronics”. Since they are big on acronyms in education, feel free to figure yours out.
Jamiesmom says
I have to agree with Michelle. My daughter has a cell phone, and has had for the past 4 years. The job I had then as well as the one I have now requires me to leave the house in the morning before she does, and now I am home well after she gets off the bus. Early in the school year, at the bus stop, she was jumped by another student and was injured. She used her cell phone to call me to say that she was hurt and was going back home. (Yes, she WAS hurt considering the footprint still visible on her back hours later) Glad she had that cell phone on her then!!
In the past few weeks, one of her teachers saw her phone in the pocket of her jeans, not on the desk, not in her hand but in her pocket. She confiscated the phone, and only when the assistant principal decided to call me AFTER school to tell me that she was keeping the phone, I told her that if she was going to confiscate my daughter’s phone for being in her pocket, then she needed to search EVERY student on campus and confiscate ALL the phones. I also asked to speak with the principal….still waiting to talk with him and it has been over three weeks!!! Only after my daughter’s dad took her back to the school, did she get the phone back. Given the schedule I have, it would have been several days before I could have gone and retrieved the phone. So, we set the teacher up….my daughter started carrying something in her pocket that looked similar to the size of her phone. (a calculator) Amazingly, no one has said a word about the phone shaped object in her pocket yet.
I have to support Michelle wholeheartedly. Only wish I could have been at the meeting to show my support in person!
CDEV says
Wow…..setting up a teacher who simply enforced the rules! Seems like a good example being set!
David A. Porter says
CDEV. What part of unlawful detainment do you fail to understand? It’s not their property to do what they wish with. They are now in violation of the law – not a stupid school policy created by arrogant ignorant morons with little legal standing.
Cdev says
They are not doing with it what they wish. They are holding it until the parent comes to get it!
David A. Porter says
They are holding it against the will or intention of the parent. That still is enough to make any person angry. Why don’t I take something from your child and hold it until you come to get it?
Cdev says
It might make you mad but it is not a crime. I am sure they are mad that you can not be supportive of school polocies and procedures. It is like what part of illegal do you not get?
Michelle Gardner says
CDEV; Please see this definition of Policy from Wikipedia; especially the part where it says ‘Policy differs from rules or law’:
Policy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about policies in general. For government policy, see Public policy.
For other uses, see Policy (disambiguation).
A policy is typically described as a principle or rule to guide decisions and achieve rational outcome(s). The term is not normally used to denote what is actually done, this is normally referred to as either procedure[1] or protocol. Whereas a policy will contain the ‘what’ and the ‘why’, procedures or protocols contain the ‘what’, the ‘how’, the ‘where’, and the ‘when’. Policies are generally adopted by the Board of or senior governance body within an organization where as procedures or protocols would be developed and adopted by senior executive officers.
A Policy can be considered as a “Statement of Intent” or a “Commitment”. For that reason at least, we can be held accountable for our “Policy”
The term may apply to government, private sector organizations and groups, and individuals. Presidential executive orders, corporate privacy policies, and parliamentary rules of order are all examples of policy. Policy differs from rules or law. While law can compel or prohibit behaviors (e.g. a law requiring the payment of taxes on income), policy merely guides actions toward those that are most likely to achieve a desired outcome.
Policy or policy study may also refer to the process of making important organizational decisions, including the identification of different alternatives such as programs or spending priorities, and choosing among them on the basis of the impact they will have. Policies can be understood as political, management, financial, and administrative mechanisms arranged to reach explicit goals.
Cdev says
Funny you give me the definition of policy and procedure. I was simply using the analogy to go with the slogan we here so often when it comes to immigration discussions. It is against the rules. I know you do not respect rules but it is. If you want it changed I am finwe with you wanting that but if you respected rules you would not continue to break them. You would comply with it until it is changed. What if the rule was a day of IC if your phone goes off? Would that be OK with you?
Michelle Gardner says
JamiesMom; Thank you for sharing your story and viewpoint on this issue! You can show your support by writing to Sandra Monaco, President of the Harford County PTA as well as the PTA at your school and other parents. The majority of parents I have been in touch with are in agreement on this issue and the more that are made aware, the better. Please share the article and ask other parents to post their viewpoints as well.
RobJam says
When you parse the various cell phone defenders, it’s clear to me what’s really going on here. Some parents are using cell phones to rationalize perceived gaps in parenting. Leaving children at home alone, forcing them to get themselves ready for school, arriving home late are all symptoms of the real problem. They are using technology as a surrogate to compensate for not being there. They aren’t there when their kids need them, but they can speak with them, check up on them, GPS locate them, and get piece of mind, so they must still be doing their jobs.
The schools are not surrogate parents. They are not required to bend to meet an individual’s idea of what constitutes acceptable child rearing. They are institutions that set a mission and then make policy to facilitate success at meeting that mission. If one disagrees with policy he/she has two choices: 1)organize enough like minded people to force a change in policy, and quite possibly mission (this happens all to often to the detriment of our education system); or, 2) pursue an alternative path to education. The law mandates your child be provided an education, not that it be accomplished in the public school system.
David A. Porter says
I do not have the liberty of acquiring a job that is compressed within the hours that school is in session. The wife that I had decided to take a powder and be with a man in a trailer because she did not want the responsibility of being a devoted wife and mother. My occupation affords me the ability to live in Bel Air on a single income with the child support I receive from the aforementioned ex – from when I leave at 620 am in the morning until I arrive home at night at 515 pm. If you would like to provide me with a live in nanny that I can afford on my income, I invite you to respond to me here with names and phone numbers. Your judgment about the choices some of us make with respect to our responsibilities is arrogant and ignorant at he very least. There are far more irresponsible people walking the Earth and in this community that take more from the state and provide less to society than we do.
marcy says
David, it sounds like you have enough to worry about at home. I am sorry you have so many problems but please do not take it out on the schools. It is just a cell phone!
David A. Porter says
Marcy, my problem is usually with the backwards thinking people that feel they have more to say about the choices I make in the best interest of my child,or myself, when they have no stake in the outcome. Do you think you can rephrase that in a way that you could understand that?
Fred says
Robjam – Dead on Bulls eye. Thank You.
David A. Porter says
Fred, do you, Robjam, Excuses, CDEV, DMichaels76 and Hmmm share the same DNA or just the same towel. This is not the first discussion board I’ve seen you guys on and it isn’t the first discussion board where it’s been mentioned that multiple authors may be one and the same.
thecarl says
Funny, how someone said this is an intelligent conversation. Some parents crack me up. Not my son, they wouldn’t break the rules unless I tell them it is ok. And actually this is the first time I have ever agreed with CDEV. Also dmichael although inserting humor in this ridiculous argument, makes valid points. I really think we should allow the kids to take guns to school, so they can protect themselves, but only shoot in self defense.
Waco Kid says
Your kid must have a nice butt. Better sue the school for sexual her ass ment.
Brenda says
I am reading these threads absolutely amazed that there is such passion over students carrying cell phones. Wake up. In the year 2011, I would say over 90 percent of high school students have a cell phone on their person at ALL times. Middle school…probably a smaller percentage, but still significant. The horse is out of the barn so to speak, and technology is not going to be stopped at this point. Try as they may, HCPS will not be able to enforce this rule. “Rule breakers”? Technically yes, of course. But in the post Sept. 11 world and multiple Columbine shootings and “end of the world” prophesies, most parents prefer to have the ability to contact their children for peace of mind.
It’s a battle that can NOT be won for the school system. If you had dogs that could alert to electronics, I suspect the dog would short circuit. LOL
My personal experiences are with Patterson Mill and Bel Air High. And by the way, my children can not be accused of cheating, disruption or any other issue to tag onto a student simply because they are in possesion of their cell. Most are great kids who just happen to have their smart phones on them 24/7 like 90 percent of the county. Many teachers aren’t fighting the fact any more, and will tell the kids to put their phones away.
HCPS should start to think of how to embrace the use of smart phones during class to research when applicable. Colleges use text messaging to alert to emergencies, lock downs, tornados, etc. Perhaps our high school students could be afforded the same technology instead of sitting out on cold bleachers for an hour an a half with no coats on and no one telling them what is going on.
Stop fighting technology…it has already won. And my comments are more focused on high school age students, not middle.
Michelle Gardner says
Brenda; you are a breath of fresh air. Well said! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your viewpoint and I agree wholeheartedly with your post. I spent a vast amount of my time teaching others how to use it for beneficial purposes and you are an educator who is ahead of her time and most of your peers. I hope to meet many more like you.
Middle School Mom says
I think something has gotten lost in all of the bickering and namecalling: Ms. Gardner is not disputing that there is a current rule in place. She has accepted the consequences of this for several years. Her remarks to the BoE, as I understood them, were a request to re-examine the current policies and possibly revise them. This happens all the time, in regards to all kinds of rules. For example, at one time possessing a mobile phone in High School was against policy. That has now been revised to state that a student can possess a phone as long as it is not turned on or in use.
In reviewing the minutes of recent BoE meetings, I can see where discussion of Policy and Procedure revisions had a place on the agenda. This was, I believe, to address policies that had been put into place at a time when they were appropriate, but these same policies were now out-dated. All Ms. Gardner is asking for is some consideration of this policy as well.
How exactly does that make her an irresponsible parent? Or, as one person said, a helicopter parent? I fail to understand how a request for the board to consider updating a policy is out of line, or why it warrants such an outrageous number of personal attacks about someone’s parenting.
RobJam says
She clearly states that she doesn’t believe the rule should apply to her child because he simply forgets to follow it several times each school year. If a parent is unsuccessful in teaching his/her child how to follow the rule, the parent must appear at the school to claim the confiscated cell phone. Shared responsibility appears to be a reasonable outcome here.
Breaking a rule has consequences. That’s a pretty simple concept that should be taught early in life. You’re free to break the rule, but need to be prepared to accept the consequences. If you forget to pay your taxes there are consequences. If you don’t pay your mortgage – consequences. This is a basic premise that underwrites all successful societies.
Michelle Gardner says
Incorrect; In fact I stated that I did not want my son to be an exception even on the basis of medical necessity. If the rule is not safe for 1 then it is not entirely safe.
Middle School Mom says
I do not remember her disputing the phone being confiscated for the remainder of the day. I believe she even stated that she would understand if her son received a detention for the infraction. From what I read- and I will admit that I have not read every comment because they got to the point where the actual topic was no longer being discussed- her original objection was to the phone being held overnight.
And I will reiterate…. I fail to understand how a request for the board to consider updating a policy is out of line, or why it warrants such an outrageous number of personal attacks about someone’s parenting.
RobJam says
There’s some conjecture here as I’m inferring from the comments, but I believe the phone is held until a parent claims it. That could be overnight, if the parent doesn’t have sufficient motivation to act on the day of the infraction.
I thought, though, that the ability to immediately respond to the child’s needs was the primary reason for the phone in the first place.
Michelle Gardner says
Robjam; as stated in earlier posts, the school refused to contact me at all for the last three years until this last week. So from now until the end of the school year, the school has conceded in my son’s last month in that school that they will contact me if they take his phone and yes, in that case, I would go and pick him up and his cell phone too.
Cdev says
See that is far more then you who will not conceed to obey the school rules and ask your kid to keep their phone home like the rules say to!
David A. Porter says
The primary reason for the child possessing the phone provided by his or her parent is simply for the child’s safety. This has been restated multiple times and if you choose to restate or rephrase to make the concept say something different then you are not being true or fair to the author or the point she is making. The spiral that this discussion has taken on is astonishing but still reminds me that people are easily mislead while others choose to manipulate.
Haul either of us in front of your firing squad if you wish… we reserve the right to disagree with a policy that does not reflect the reality that we are compelled to deal with – either through events that may occur during the day, however low probability, or the inadequacies in school personnel’s ability to handle situations professionally and without personal embellishment to satisfy their own egos.
Cdev says
I get why you want them to have one. What I don’t get is why you can not see that you are starting off (at least in middle school) by telling your kid it is OK to break the rules. No matter how you spin it the rules say NO phones. Yet you send them with one. Then when they get caught with it you don’t like the consequences.
RobJam says
Michelle,
Problem solved. There’s a consequence built around shared responsibility. It may not be the way you’d draw it up, but it appears to address your concerns.
I do empathize with you. Chld rearing is the most difficult thing we do in life. The endless variables and intreactions make any cookbook approach nearly worthless. However, one thing appears to remain constant. The earlier children are taught how to successfully interact with their environment, to include accepting the consequences of their actions (and learning from them), the higher the probability of future success in whatever direction they choose – to include raising their own children.
Michelle Gardner says
Well said middle School Mom! I have stopped responding to those who are not truly interested in discussion or a solution but are more interested in picking a fight and mud slinging. The good thing that has come out of posting this article is meeting other parents who have had issues with this policy and hearing their stories and there were some educators who showed a true interest in other options to help ensure the safety of students while also being able to prevent distractions in their classroom. I’m sure that a happy medium can be found to satisfy both.
marty says
Michelle and David,
What part of NO CELL PHONE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND!!!! Read the handbook. No cell phone no problem.
Aberdeen Parent says
MIDDLE SCHOOL MOM you are so right. Some of the folks that get on this web site are just unhappy and need a place to vent. They are rude and ignorant. Being a single parent is a hard job. ROBJAM is an idiot. They keep on by passing the real issue. HIGH SCHOLL STUDENTS ARE I REPEAT ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE CELL PHONES IN SCHOOL. If they break the rule take it, just give it back at the end of the day. Kids get jumped every day, child molesters are all around us. It’s not a baby sitting device it’s a safety issue for parents who are concerned about thier children. Michelle Good Luck
Mr Porter Good Luck to you also. Thank God my children are all now in college…
hmmmm says
Where do you work that you seem to be able to monitor this thread throughout the workday and take the time to prepare such lengthy responses?
David A. Porter says
Probably the same place you do. Except without hiding behind the pseudonym.
hmmmm says
Why do you assume that I work outside the home? In fact, I was wondering this about Ms. Gardner, as she has stated that she works outside the the home, yet by the time stamp and length of her messages that she must spend a lot of her workday involved in monitoring and composing posts on this website. But I see in another message you have outlined your workday as well, and you’re online frequently during that time, so kudos to you, for having a job that affords you such flexibility!
David A. Porter says
I will do what I can to offset the mistaken assumptions and irrational observations of the peanut gallery. Consider it my equivalent of a cigarette break… you know, ten minutes every hour… just to satisfy the addiction.
L.L. says
I’d be curious after reading all of these posts, if some of these parents are the same ones that are texting their kid during the school day, as being a high school teacher, those are some of the most frustrating moments in my day. To be told by a student, well, “it’s an emergency”. These kids don’t understand a real emergency, and obviously some of the parents don’t either. I tell my students, a real emergency would result in their parents calling the school and getting a call to my room.
Really parents, no wonder why the teachers are having such a hard time in class with these phones…. you are teaching your kids it’s ok to be on them 24/7. At my high school, parents are called before the end of the day and know that the phone is in the office, at that point, rather than get angry with the school…. what is the conversation you are having with your child?
David A. Porter says
He’s in class dear… I do not call him during the day. Please feel free to make another sweeping generalization.
L.L. says
Great, you don’t…. I never said you, however given some of the outrageous comments on here, I’m sure quite a few parents find it acceptable to do so……which is why so many kids get caught to begin with.
Michelle Gardner says
LL; it is not during school that I need to reach him or that he may need to dial 911. Again, the issue at hand is what happens after school in the event the school has taken his phone and he has no method of communication or emergency contact. I do not call or text my son during class time.
B says
What puzzles is how if you never text or call him during class then how did his cell phone ever give off a notification while in class?
Michelle Gardner says
After being dropped in a parking lot once, despite having the appropriate protective covers, the phone has developed a few little quirks. The timing sometimes gets out of sync and an occasional alarm goes off at the wrong time. This is also why he sometimes forgets to turn it off, it stays on at night plugged in and he uses it to wake up in the morning. In addition there have been wrong numbers; I had to call one foreign woman back after she phone stalked my son leaving repeated messages at all hours of the day.
B says
So your son had a malfunctioning cell phone for 3 years of middle school and doesn’t have an alarm clock at home to use instead of his cell phone? I’d say that using a cell phone with timing issues as an alarm clock isn’t the best idea.
Michelle Gardner says
B; you’re really not interested in my answers, you’re just looking for more fuel to stoke the fires of argument. I’m not going to continue to entertain you by answering anymore off topic questions. None of this has anything to do with the original post or issue at hand nor is it aimed at having rational conversation to arrive at an amicable solution.
B says
I was legitimately curious how if your son never uses his cell phone during school and you never text or call him during school hours how it gave off a notification during class when he forgot to turn it off (and forgetting to turn it off can happen to anyone occasionally, I’m not blaming your son for that.)
You answered my question as to how (a malfunctioning cell phone with timing issues that your son uses as an alarm clock to get up for school in the morning.) I dunno…the whole thing seems pretty absurd.
I also think you originally started out with a legitimate complaint, but then starting throwing out all sorts of bizarre and unlikely situations as reasons why your son must have a cell phone on his person at all times. Respond or don’t, it doesn’t really matter to me, but living in constant fear seems like a poor way to live.
Michelle Gardner says
B; sigh. Yes. He uses his imperfect cell phone as an alarm clock. It works most of the time. When it doesn’t, I wake him up. It’s part of that whole ‘responsibility’ teaching by a parent, where I teach him to take care of things–or you know–there are consequences like; ‘If you break it, you’re not getting a new one for a while so take care of it’. He has had a cell phone from the age of 5 (yes I know you’ll have a field day with that too) and this is the first time he has damaged one so as I said, he’s a pretty responsible kid. And yes, in the last three years there have been a number of reasons why any of his 3 phones in that time might have gone off in class, none I assure you were from me calling or texting him except once by accident I wanted to leave him a message that he would get when he left school and turned his phone on–but–he had forgotten to turn off his phone. As I said before I have no reason to try and text him or speak with him during class time. I would call the office if that were the case. I would not be disrespectful and interrupt the teacher or the class in progress. Is your curiosity satisfied now? Are you able to contribute to this conversation in a rational, meaningful way to achieve a joint solution acceptable by all parties concerned?
debra says
Oh Michelle you have more excuses about your son and his cell phone that are just ridiculous. Come to the school at the end of day, get the phone, and go home. Stop worrying about after school. I work at a high school and the parents find out the phone is in the office because the child calls the parent using a friend’s phone and tells them. Parents come in and get them and have no problem with that. Do not think you will get much support with your little issue. Sorry you do not like the policy but that’s life.
noble says
I might have missed it, but doesn’t anyone realize that your cell phone carrier allows you to set controls over the phones on your plan, including what time of day the phone can send and receive text messages, and even phone calls? So why don’t more parents log in to their accounts and set those controls and avoid all this? Probably because they are somewhat inept at parenting and fail to take the time to figure out solutions to problems. I’ve done this myself, for free, with my carrier. No text messages sent or received between 7am and 3pm. Problem solved!
As for middle schoolers, until the policy is revised I would suggest the best solution is to teach your child that the default mode for the phone is OFF. You turn it on only when you need to use it. I don’t think they will have a problem remembering to turn it on before they use it, will they? Problem solved!
Like most things, this is really a case of the responsible few being punished by the irresponsible many.
I feel for the educators, my wife is one, who are under paid, under appreciated, over worked, and quite often abused and treated with all kinds of disrepect from irresponsible persons capable of fathering or mothering a child, rather than actual parenting.
I don’t think it’s unusual or mystifying that after taking reguluar abuse a handful of these educators are going to be in a bad mood and take it out on a parent. Almost all of us are guilty of this in most jobs we’ve had. Nobody is perfect.
Ms Gardner has done her civic duty by utilizing channels available to her to raise an issue and seek a change in the way her government interacts with her. She took the time to go to the meeting and make her case and it’s her right to be heard.
I imagine half the people or more, reading these posts didn’t vote, let alone vote for the BOE, or rarely get off their tail to be involved in any way in their community other than jaw at each other on a message board.
Michelle Gardner says
Thanks for trying to offer a solution Noble, but Sprint allows you to block text and voice entirely by device or by select phone number but does not allow you to set time frames. It would be nice to have though.
noble says
Then may I suggest you try the one that starts with a V and isn’t a dirty word.
Fred says
David Porter AKA: Ron Swanson
David A. Porter says
Fred… Who is Ron Swanson? Because I am not Ron Swanson… I was born in western NY in Batavia, just went there with my son Daemon who attends Bel Air High School. And my parents live in Zellwood FL, where they have been living since retiring in 1990 and when my dad cashes his retirement check… he makes New York’s treasury scream.
triasyoumite says
Ron Swanson is an anti-government type on a television show called Parks and Rec. I must admit, your comments are similar.
David A. Porter says
Then you are delusional. I am an engineer working at Aberdeen Test Center and have been an engineer for 25 years of working for the US Government in one form or another. I was even the project engineer on the M256 cannon at Benet Laboratories in upstate NY for 12 years before moving to Yuma to work at that proving ground. I am also an Eagle Scout with 36 merit badges. And while I may vote as a moderate and disagree with some hateful people I occasionally meet I do not believe that makes me anti-government for allowing my son to carry a cellphone for his safety. And what are your qualifications to characterize me the way you do?
RobJam says
So to summarize –
You worked in Watervliet, which if not for Sam Stratton and his legacy would have been closed 25 years ago. Mike Fisette did his best to move everything to Picatinny but failed. Even Joe Barron, when he was the Arsenal Ops Director, tried to pick a slice off Benet and then discard the rest.
You moved on to Yuma where Grant Ware probably encouraged you to look elsewhere. Because for all his faults Grant had no use for anyone who didn’t want to put in a full day of work – even if those days tended to be from 3am to noon.
I surmise you arrived at ATC post Jim Fasig as he also had no patience for people who didn’t take their jobs seriously.
The Jim Streilein erea at ATEC is over and Brian is making it his personal mission to step up internet monitoring and ensure those who spend our tax dollars surfing the net are identified and embarrassed.
You probably have enough years in to make it really inconvenient to initiate and follow through on termination. However, from you comments it’s obvious you can’t walk the walk.
David A. Porter says
I left Benet to go to Yuma because I liked the desert southwest and I was tired of government silliness intended to discourage work and encourage waste. I worked as a contractor at Yuma for five years and o my second day I was confronted by a redheaded test director who used to be a clerk who told me pointedly “You used to be government and now you are a contractor – I hope you realize that things have changed”. I left Yuma to regain a government position because contractors seemed to be hired to provide an esteem boost for government employees – and I would soon earn more leave to spend time with my son. I came here to work and am still amazed at how some government employees act like it’s an imposition to do the work they are paid to do… while contractors end up doing the lion’s share and are looked won upon as if they are third class citizens. Disparage me all you want Robjam… I am neither lazy nor am I without drive. I despise sloth and I especially despise mindless hate for the sake of putting someone down just because they think differently.
RobJam says
David,
Some contradictions aside in your last post, I think I get it. You live in a world that’s not of your choosing and despite your best efforts it won’t bend to your will.
Welcome to the club, and it’s a membership that’s about to get really crowded. The next few years are going to provide a lot of pain and agony for those who aren’t prepared – across the socio-economic strata. No one is exempt.
Except, maybe those of us who see it for what it is, who don’t mind contributing to what it does and always have an out. I gladly pay my taxes and recognize I’ll have to pay more. What’s not going to go over well is the government cuts will pale relative to the tax increases and it’s all going to have to be broken before we can emerge with something viable – and the Defense Dept. has to be the first (though not the last) billpayer. Nothing to do with priorities or patriotism, it’s simple economics.
For me, it’s why I work for myself and charge an extraordinary daily rate to help our “leaders” fix their problems. It’s a really nice living, but at the same time, a real indictment of the system.
Concerned family member says
so the question is this if your child cell phone gets taken away overnight and on the way home that child abducted and ends up injured or dead. do you sue the school 4 holding their cell phone hostage, when a child might have been able to call for help?
twogirls says
Unbelievable. Many of these comments go so far either one way or another. How about we all just use some common sense? I teach middle school right here in Harford County. I am also a single mom of both middle and elementary school children. Fortunately, I get to see both sides of this issue very clearly. I know what the school rules are in the middle school and I use my common sense when it comes to cell phones. I see cell phones in the pockets of students sometimes. For my own sanity, I say “big deal”. They’re not using them, it’s not making any sound, really, I don’t have the time to freak out about it. I am way too busy making sure that my lesson is being taught so that every students’ learning needs are being met. I have even gone as far to tell a student that their cell phone was falling out of their pocket and that I would hate to see them lose it. They’re more than grateful. On the 1 or 2 occasions this year when a student has “used” (it made a sound) a cell phone in my class, I took the phone. I asked the student to turn the phone off, I wrapped it in piece of paper, and wrote their name on the outside. I asked the student to see me at the end of the day. When the student returned to me at the end of the day, I reminded them of the cell phone policy, and told them how I would hate to have to take it again because there would be further consequences. Now, before anyone jumps down my throat to tell me what a horrible teacher I must be because I didn’t follow the policy, let me inform you that I have never had another issue with the same child and their phone. I remember the day the MSA started. We had to collect any cell phones the students had. Out of 26 kids, 20 of them brought me their cell phones to hold during testing. Funny how I never even knew these students had a phone on them all year long. They kept them off and never forgot to do so. Look, I don’t want ringing cell phones and texting to disrupt my classroom, and I won’t allow it. But, I’m not going to stop teaching to inspect “shapes” in the pockets of kids. To me, it’s a matter of common sense. I use mine, and the kids use their’s…. we’re all happy.
Michelle Gardner says
TWOGIRLS; Thank you for yet another simple solution and for taking the time to express your viewpoint!
Excuses says
Blah, Blah, Blah
Lines with no Proof
Overstating the
obVious
Initiating petty Conversation
Advocating Dissention
Teaching Self-indulgence
Emergency, please.
Someone help me, call 911!
We got it, your kid is an angel. He needs to call 911 for his safety. What’s the statistics for assault during the thief of a $400 smartphone (that can be tracked with the same GPS you purchased in-part for that reason), compared to other 911 emergencies?
David A. Porter says
Probably about as low as getting you to simply accept or tolerate an alternate point of view from your own.
Excuses says
And what’s my view point? I don’t recall stating it. My posting is a simple summarization of endless, and unproductive rants (BLOVIATES) that have no substantial proof. Hasty judgement keeps outsiders from seeing the validity of my statement, which is, add reliable data to your claim and represent it to the board. The anonymous tit-for-tat is pointless and hard to take seriously, considering more effective venues for change is a superior option. Take the high-road and fix the flaws.
David A. Porter says
Unproductive rants, interesting you should criticize the unproductive rants going on. You’re adding fuel to the fire aren’t you? Isn’t that a lot like complaining about the debt but demanding your tax cut or subsidy?
Excuses says
Sorry you don’t see my humor, preceive my begging as gasoline, and assume I’m a liberal leech. You may have the last word.
Bel Air Grad says
OMGosh!! You “Helicopter Parents” crack me up! You are so ridiculous! Here is a small sample of things I have overheard when in the office: “MY child never texts while in school. Ever!” “MY child would never use his cell phone to make calls at school.” (I won’t even get into the: “MY child doesn’t drink.” “MY child doesn’t smoke.” “MY child doesn’t speed while driving the car.” “MY child doesn’t cuss.” “MY child doesn’t have sex.” Blah, blah, blah). The list goes on & on… What a crock! BTW, you Helicopter Parents do realize (don’t you?) that YOUR “perfect little darlings” laugh at you behind your back constantly because you believe everything they tell you. You DO know that…..right?
Michelle Gardner says
BEL AIR GRAD; Why is it you sound so very much like the unhappy teachers on the offensive? After all, I can’t see too many recent high school graduates being so terribly concerned about policies no longer affecting them; and since STUDENTS are the ones so deeply attached to their cell phones in the first place, I don’t think my viewpoint will get much opposition from them. And by your own admission, you seemingly spend a great deal of time in the school office.
Yes, I know exactly how my son uses his cell phone because Sprint and some other applications provide me with a highly detailed report of incoming/outgoing calls AND his text messages. My son is currently in middle school; so parts of your rant do not apply to him such as the driving.
David A. Porter says
Were you an enabled child? I’ve seen the results of those things and yes they are the product of either ignorant parents, or parents that do not care to learn what their child is up to. Stop questioning our motivations for what we decide to do. Simply evaluate if you agree and wish to employ the ideas, or if you disagree say so and don’t employ them. The one who reproduces the most or makes the most sense to the bell curve wins.
Harford County Mom says
Michelle, what are the apps you use? What do they do and how much do they cost? We have AT&T – does it have to be used with Sprint? Thanks!
Michelle Gardner says
HARFORD COUNTY MOM; I am so glad you asked that question. I have offered to Sandra Monaco to teach mobile technology to teachers and parents in the community and when she is able to work on scheduling she is interested in making that available. The apps I use are all free. I have an android phone so I found them in the android market but you can search for them in the app store of whichever phone you have and also online. Your phone bill is the first place to start so you can routinely keep an eye on who your child is talking to and when they are talking to them. Lookout and Google Voice are very helpful. Some phone services like Sprint offer paid locator services that provide some extra functionality. You can set it to report at specific times on the location of your child. I tested this when it was free and it worked nicely but I didn’t have a need to pay for it. You can use Lookout to locate your child’s cell phone on demand. I have only used that feature for testing on occasion and haven’t needed it either—thankfully.
Harford County Mom says
Thank you!!
Clay says
In the absence of God, a parent’s job is an uphill battle that neither they nor the kids can win.
David A. Porter says
Clay, God in the absence of reinforcement by a caring and responsible parent is also a vacuum. Stop trying to make it like God is all you need, because it invariably is not.
A parent of a teen says
Why do you people even give your kids cell phones anyway that have all these capabilities? Texting, internet, video. Why will these kids not settle for a phone that simply does one task – make and receive calls. My child asked me for a phone, which they got a stern – NO. Then I decided to ask them if a phone that made calls only no other features would be good enough if I did. and I got a NO in response. They want it for facebook, games and taking photos of themself and sending them to their friends. And they don’t want to pay the bill. So my kids know when they get a job, and they can get a phone in their name and they pay the bill, its fine then they can get one. they can learn responsibility.
The Truth says
I’m comment 274 and hopefully the last. Regardless of which side you are taking, you all need to move on and go spend some time with your kids. Who knows. While you are on the Internet checking your Dagger posts and formulating your long paragraphs of defense, your kids are probably doing something inappropriate on their cell phones. Irony.
David A. Porter says
The word you are looking for is incongruous, thanks for playing. Circle gets the square.
frankly speaking says
ok. Porter wins.
marty says
David Porter and Michelle Gardner,
Please do not post anything more about the cell phone issue. If they take your baby’s phone and want to keep it please just get off work early and get the phone. This is such a simple solution and that way your child will never be without 911!
David A. Porter says
Thanks for your contribution Marty. No. I disagree. There must be an adultress somewhere that you can help stone.
Krystal says
To all those saying “you lived without a cell phone”…is like saying “Yeah I never road in a car seat when I was a baby and I am alive so why should my child have to ride in one” Heck, my mother breast fed me while driving. Just because I did not have a cell phone in high school does not mean I never needed one. I walked 7 miles home once in high school when my mother forgot I needed to be picked up after cheer leading practice. I sure wish I had a cell phone that day. I love my children and want to give them any tool that might save them one day.
That said, I have had to pick up my son’s cell phone in the office one day. He forgot to turn it off and it started buzzing in his pocket. I had to go get it the next day. I was a little peaved but I still make him carry a cell phone, especially for field trips. He even calls me at lunch if he is going to stay after school for tests, or activities. The point is the policy does not work and is antiquated.
jen says
Krystal,
You just said that your child calls you at lunch from school and you wonder why he got his phone taken! Do not be peeved at the school because you had to go get it. As most of the comments have reeiterated, the policy is, you cannot use your cell phone after the homeroom bell and at the dismissal bell. You knew in advance that if he uses his phone you will have to come and get it. I am sorry about the policy but hopefully it will change and you will not have to worry about this. You sound like a great parent and your child is very lucky! Have a great weekend!
retired educator says
Equity,
You talk about being stressed! Have you read your rambling, misspelled run-on sentences. Obviously you have probably been out of school for quite awhile because you have not a clue what goes on in a school. What does a teacher having a cell phone make her a sucky (using your ignorant adjective)teacher. If it is any of your business I just retired and I did not even have to work but did it because I love children. My husband makes enough to support a family of five and is a CEO who I bet makes more in a month than you make in a year! As you know teachers are underpaid and from your ignorant comments you are probably one of those hypocrites who say “Teachers make enough and don’t need raises because they have off all summer” In conclusion,schools will not lose cell phones and having fraudulent charges is ridiculous. Most of these comments say that this is a petty, silly issue. You are the one who is misinformed and self-righteous. I am glad you are not a teacher because you would most likely be the stressed whiney teacher who lives in the teacher’s lounge! Go to the doctor and get some pills to calm you down. Enjoy working 9-5, five days a week while I leave on my cruise with my husband on Wednesday. Have a wonderful weekend!
equity says
You make a lot of ASSumptions. I don’t have to work 9-5 & unlike your husband I don’t live at work to avoid a shrew like you. School chewed you up and spit you out at 50. Yet again you seem to want to attack someone that doesn’t agree with you. You’re well on your way to being a grumpy geezer. The power trip doesn’t work outside of the classroom.
You have No Idea says
Whoa. Look at how you people have started acting like a bunch of name calling kids. Sad.. sad..
Grow up.
equity says
There are those here that would like to bully their point across, change user names and re-post to make their thoughts seem more prolific than they are. If it’s petty slaps that it comes to yes, it is sad, but not as sad as letting someone try to shut down a person’s viewpoint by an attempt of intimidation or discreditation. I believe that Michelle tried to make a reasonable request for review of a policy and those who need to grow up are the ones who would like to bully her into feeling like she’s wrong.
Something like a pseudonym “you don’t have no idea” may suggest a self aggrandizing lack of respect for others. If it gets down to; folks calling people’s children “your baby’, suggestions that anyone who retorts of point to be depressive or anxious, or pseudonyms that suggest superiority, I say “… I know you are but what am I”. My posts and replies are measured and appropriate responses. We all have an ‘idea”.
oh really? says
I agree 100%
David A. Porter says
Interesting you mention the summers off… when our kids are sent home in the middle of the school year because you guys are receiving training… why not hold the training in the summer and maximize our our child’s attendance? I’ve often wondered this… or do you actually get to plan that entire summer off while the rest of us worry about daycare and other plans to allow you to enjoy your two months of vacation while the rest of us work? Stop your griping…. you took the job, you knew what you were getting into.
dmichaels76 says
You tell ’em, David! No should EVER be allowed to voice a complaint about their job. After all, they knew what they were getting into and they accepted it.
You know, I’m starting to get a real kick out of “the world according to David”!
Love my job says
Mr. Porter, With all due respect, a teacher does know what they are getting into which is a love of working with children and watching them learn and grow. There are 5 inservice days which are mandated by the state. This is out of our control. In the summer a lot of teachers are taking classes to further their education, writing curriculum for the students, or working another job during the summer because they need the additional money. As teachers we are also working and have to arrange for daycare and making arrangements when school is not in session. We are proud of our students and also want them to be safe after school. Could you please give the teachers of this county a chance and try to support them because we are educating your child and I assure you that all his teachers and administrators only want the best for him. I apologize for the long paragraph but I certainly knew what I was getting into and love every minute!
frankly speaking says
i rembember the good old days when I could borrow a cigg from my teacher and go smoke in the courtyard just outside the cafeteria and chat with the Pricipal while blowing O’s. See the world changes, nowadays the Principal and teacher would be fired and the student would be suspended. Just because its a rule, doesn’t mean it can’t be improved, abolished or changed.
equity says
So the state accommodated schools, who do not like the laws and policies of the state, by changing the consequences to be convenient for them? We seem to be saying the same thing.
Cdev says
no it repealled the law!!!!!
David A. Porter says
All on their own without comment or input from the public they served – my how awe inspiring it is to see enlightened people doing their job.
Jason says
Ehh, I’m not so sure Dave the school is arbitralliy taking personal belongings from a student. The public school system is an option. There are a few private schools in the county we can send our children too. If we dont like the rules, ohh well, there is not a lot we can do. The property taxes we pay are far less than what it would cost to send our kids to Harford Day school, or Harford Christian, etc.
I dont like the rules, but, I deal with them, to me the school is a free service (again, I know my property taxes go towards it) but my taxes also support the volunteer fire service, and many other services this great county provides.
If we dont like the rules we have the right to send our kids to private school, where they will be safer, better educated, but still, even there will be rules on phones, pagers, etc.
harford county parent says
Porter,
Are you a real person? Some of the posts from you are very offensive and hurtful. I think you may be a little misinformed about the the HCPS and how this county is run. Please try to understand all points of view and not just your own. This issue will work out without so much anger and hostility. The most important thing are the students because they are our future.
chelsea says
I think it is absolutely ridiculous that students need to have cell phones on their person let alone at all in middle school. I was a middle school student during the 911 terrorist attacks which was one of the biggest emergencies we have gone through and HCPS handled that quite well. There are pay phones placed at every school, which are there for all students needs. I used them until I needed a cell phone plan when I got my license…which is when real emergencies may take place and it is deemed necessary to have a cell phone. Excuses do not need to be made for parents faulty communication habits and reliability on technology. I highly doubt an 11 year old is responsible enough to carry a cell phone especially with the sex, violence, and drugs taking place at such a young age. Responsibility and privledges come with maturity and clearly that has not been shown.
chelsea says
Oh my lord I just read a few more comments and michelle you must be paranoid as hell and have no next door neighbors if you think your child is going to be left home alone, have the phone wires cut, and have people invade your home and terrorize your child. Is your child a drug dealer or cause harm to others? If not, I wouldn’t let them drive a car if I were you because the chance is greater someone will hit and kill them on the road.
chelsea says
One last thing….its sad that I feel as though I am more mature than people 20 to 30 years older. Is that what having kids does to you?
too funny says
Mr. Porter,
You need to run for a politiacal office however I do not think you would get any votes! Your comments and tirades are so entertaining and you talk about narrow-minded. I think most of us are not sure if you know what you are saying or if you just want to make people feel sorry for you. You may have a few followers but I am not sure they would last long with you leading them. Maybe we will see you in the paper or on TV some day! LOL
too funny says
Big Dave, My oh my, you are entertaining everyone on this issue. We are not sure if you are really serious or are you trying to get a point across. It looks like you have a few followers but they will not last long with you leading them. Keep up the amusing comments,lectures and advice and maybe one day you will make it on America’s Got Talent. LOL