Dear CBE Families,
On behalf of all Ernest Manning High School staff, we would like to welcome all our families back to the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. We hope everyone had a chance to rest and recharge with their loved ones. The purpose of this email is to inform you of policy changes regarding Personal Mobile Devices (PMDs), such as cell phones, for the upcoming year.
As you may already know, CBE is implementing a standardized Personal Mobile Device & Social Media Use in Schools Policy, effective August 29. This policy complies with the Ministerial Order issued by the Government of Alberta this past June and will be in effect in all Calgary Board of Education schools starting August 29th. The Order was developed in consultation with key stakeholders, who overwhelmingly supported introducing restrictions on personal mobile devices in the classroom.
CBE is committed to the mental health and well-being of students. Restricting access to personal mobile devices and social media is expected to improve student achievement and learning outcomes while supporting student mental health.
Personal mobile devices brought to school include cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops, smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers/headphones, or any electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the internet. These must be powered off or set to silent mode and stored out of sight in student lockers, backpacks, or other designated areas during instructional time. However, personal mobile device use may be permitted during breaks and lunch periods. Additionally, teachers may allow students to use personal mobile devices to support and enhance learning opportunities, such as accessing online resources or digitally capturing learning.
If a student is found using a personal mobile device in class without the teacher’s permission, the CBE will work with the student to ensure the policy is understood. Clear communication and established processes will help students know what is expected. When necessary, schools will implement a progressive student discipline approach when working with students.
Additionally, in accordance with the Ministerial Order, students are not permitted to access social media on the CBE network.
These new rules apply to all students, with exceptions for those using devices for health and medical needs, to support specialized learning requirements, and for educational purposes.
Students who need access to a personal mobile device for health or medical reasons should have parents complete and submit a Student Health Plan as soon as possible, or contact the school’s main office at ernestmanning@cbe.ab.ca.
For students requiring access to a personal mobile device to support an identified educational need, families should contact the school to discuss including this as an accommodation or support in the student’s Individual Program Plan (IPP).
English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners who require access to a personal mobile device can have a new PMD Exception EAL form approved by School Administration in consultation with parents/guardians. EAL learners are encouraged to contact Ms. McGilvary at AEMCGILVARY@cbe.ab.ca for further information.
This policy will take effect on the first day of school. However, it will be reviewed in December 2024, at which time feedback from schools will be considered before the Administrative Regulation is finalized on January 1, 2025.
Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth transition. For further resources, please visit our EMHS website.
We look forward to welcoming all our students back on Thursday, August 29. Please contact the main office at 403-249-3131 if you have any questions regarding this update.
Mike Wilson
Principal | Ernest Manning High School
p | 403-249-3131