By Libby Addison, contributor
The Rockingham County School Board approved a policy that stops students from using their personal cell phones and other devices during the school day, while the board also defended the district’s position on flag displays.
Cell phone policy revisions
The school board had been working on revising the district’s policy regarding students using personal electronic devices since its July meeting. The board unanimously approved the changes Monday night to prohibit students from using their devices during school hours. The Harrisonburg City Public School Board last week approved a similar restriction. Those policies are in line with an executive order Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued earlier this summer.
Vice Chair Sara Horst sought to reassure parents and community members who were concerned about students with medical needs or with Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) that those students will continue to have access to their devices when needed throughout the school day.
Board Member Hollie Cave said she believes this policy is “laying the groundwork” for distraction-free classrooms, and parents will “find a difference in their children when they come home in the evenings.”
“This is a gift that we’re giving our students, our teachers, and the future generations that come about Rockingham County Public Schools,” Cave added.
Horst said she encouraged parents to learn more about their children’s cell phone use and habits, as well as read the book “The Anxious Generation” for additional information.
“So often our children are not really thrilled with the decisions that we make for them, but they are in the best interest for them,” Horst said.
Display of flags
In preparation for a discussion about displaying flags in the county schools, some in the audience held up a banner of flags representing a multitude of countries. Their message to the board: don’t restrict which flags are permitted displayed in public schools.
Ultimately, though, the board approved a policy that prohibits schools from displaying flags other than the United States’ flag and a select list of other flags, such as those representing Virginia, other U.S. states, Rockingham County, Harrisonburg, U.S. Armed Services The policy allows for specific instances in which the flags of “countries recognized by the United States” can be displayed, such as for special events or as part of the curriculum in a class. The policy passed 4-0 Monday.
The policy states that its goal is to “minimize distractions and interference that would detract from” the district’s instructional goals.
Board Chair Matthew Cross said the board’s ultimate goal with the policy was to promote unity and “to make sure that when our kids walk into our schools we want them to see, in prominent places, the American flag.”
“If we don’t assimilate as Americans, we don’t have a nation,” Cross said.
He added that some flags that were hanging in Peak View Elementary and Montevideo Middle were found to be out of compliance with the fire code, blocking exit and fire extinguishers.
Flags from other countries are allowed to be hung in the cafeterias and in the libraries, according to the policy.
One of the audience members who spoke during the public comment period, Christina Laprad, English language teacher and U.S. Air Force veteran, said she believes limiting which flags can be displayed is a “disservice to every student.” Laprad said other nations’ flags serve as a reminder that students’ stories are valued, and that “our community is more colorful than solely red, white and blue.”
Janelly Lopez, another RCPS teacher, said that in her classroom they honor the United States flag and “not once have we stated that these countries’ flags are superior.” She said she wished only for the flags to be displayed in classrooms to reflect Rockingham’s population.
Courtney French, an English language teacher, said the policy is “an insult” to the United States’ diverse history, and that it may “give the impression that everyone is not welcome here.”
New starts
Superintendent Larry Shifflett said RCPS welcomed over 100 new teachers to the school system, 43 of which are first year teachers starting this academic year that begins Aug. 20.
“Last Wednesday and Thursday, our staff spent time with them helping them prep and get ready,” Shifflett said.
He also introduced Caleb Bailey as the new safety director for RCPS schools, and said he knows he will “continue the legacy” of safety throughout the county schools.
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