Richard Froese
South Peace News
Provincial regulations prohibiting school students from using cellphones and mobile electronic devices during classes was raised by the board of High Prairie School Division.
At its monthly board meeting Sept. 17, the issue was discussed as an agenda item, says an HPSD new release dated Oct. 10.
Slave Lake trustee Cory Hughes spoke on the issue of technology use in schools, including the use of mobile device and access to social media during classes.
Supt. Murray Marran responded to the questions, including an announcement June 17 from Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides that starting in the 2024-25 school year that students would be banned from using personal mobile communication devices, including cellphones, during class time.
An information item on the use of personal devices in schools was included in correspondence and was received for information by the board.
Hughes also spoke on the next agenda item, the dress code and how inappropriate student attire is addressed.
The board discussed the issue and confirmed that schools have site-based decisions and set their own dress codes, which can be found on school websites.
The board was updated on bus operations by Sheldon Bossert, who became the new director of transportation in June.
He reviewed his report of school bus fly-bys when vehicles drive by a school bus when it is stopped on a roadway for passengers to board or leave the bus and the bus has flashing lights activated.