Dear Parents,
As we are all aware, cell phones have become an integral part of our society today. The faculty and administration at Mater Dei fully understand that cell phones are a valuable and necessary means of communication between you and your children - especially with the many activities students are involved in, combined with your busy work schedules.
Mater Dei students are permitted to bring their cell phones to school. We would like to remind students and parents, however, that students are expected to leave their phones in their lockers. Some of the reasons that we ask students to do this include:
- Cell phones that ring in class are a disruption. This has already happened 9 times in the first 2 ½ weeks of school this year. (reported 9 times)
- Many cell phones today have cameras. These cameras can be used in cheating on exams and class assignments. Cameras can also be used to take pictures in locker rooms, bathrooms, and other places where individuals' expectation of privacy are high.
- Text messaging between students during class is also a big concern. Not only is text messaging distracting for the students participating, but it can be used in classroom cheating as well. Most of our students with phones are familiar enough with them to text message without looking at the keyboard - typing with the phone either in their pocket or under the desk, out of the view of teachers.
- Games. Students often play games on their phones during class time.
Currently, cell phones that are confiscated from students during the school day are turned in to the main office. One-hour detention is then issued to the student, and he or she can pick up their cell phone at the end of the day. Beginning September 6, however, cell phones collected from students during the school day will only be returned to parents. We realize that making a special trip to school to pick up your son or daughter's phone will be an inconvenience, but due to the number of students who are violating the rule we feel that this is a necessary move.
Please feel free to contact the dean's office if you have any questions or concerns in regards to the new cell phone policy. And as always, thank you very much for your patience and understanding.