Returning to School: Spotsylvania County Enacts New Mobile Device Guidelines, Boosts Speeding Patrols
In the upcoming school year, Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) have implemented two major new policies to enhance student safety, well-being, and academic focus. These changes include strict cell phone restrictions during school hours and increased traffic/parking safety enforcement near schools.
Cell Phone Use Policy
Students are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices like smartwatches, earbuds, and tablets during the entire school day ("bell-to-bell") while inside the school building and on school grounds. Devices must be turned off and stored away. This policy aligns with Virginia's Executive Order #33 aimed at promoting student health and safety. Exceptions are made for medical needs or emergencies.
The policy is designed to improve focus, reduce distractions, decrease cyberbullying and social media drama, and enhance face-to-face interactions and academic performance.
Automated Speed Enforcement Program
To address speeding near schools, SCPS has implemented an automated speed enforcement program. This program has been introduced in school zones to reduce speeding and improve student safety. The program covers approximately four schools in Spotsylvania County and aims to remind citizens to obey the law when school buses are on the road.
Staffing Challenges
Like many school systems, SCPS is facing staffing challenges, although specific new policies addressing this were not detailed in the sources.
Employee Discipline Policy
SCPS has also implemented a new progressive discipline policy for employees. The policy outlines a series of steps for addressing misconduct, starting with an oral reprimand and an email for minor offenses. Additional violations could lead to suspension, demotion, or ultimately termination.
Dr. Clinton Mitchell, Superintendent of SCPS, introduced the new employee discipline policy two months ago, and the school board approved it in July. Training for principals to implement this policy is expected to begin in September.
Returning Students and Teachers
More than 24,000 students and over 1,800 teachers are returning to Spotsylvania County schools on Tuesday. Despite the staffing challenges, the vacancy rate has shown a "40 to 50% improvement" over the previous school year.
International Teachers
SCPS has hired 27 international teachers to work in classrooms this school year, many of whom are from the Philippines and Jamaica.
New Generative AI Literacy Plan
Dr. Mitchell also mentioned that the school district is implementing a new Generative AI Literacy Plan for kindergarten through twelfth-grade students.
[1] Spotsylvania County Public Schools website [2] Virginia Legislative Information System [3] Virginia Department of Education [4] Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office [5] Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors meeting minutes
Education-and-self-development are essential aspects for students in Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS). The school district is implementing a new Generative AI Literacy Plan, aiming to introduce students from kindergarten through twelfth-grade to artificial intelligence, fostering their understanding and skills in this rapidly evolving field.
