Connect Charter Family Weekly Update

Dear Connect Families,

We want to inform you about upcoming changes to our Personal Mobile Device and Social Media Use Policy, which will be developed and ammended over the next few months in compliance with the Ministerial Order issued by the Government of Alberta in June. This order reflects feedback from families across the province.

Along with this message we would like to emphasize that communication to your child during the school day should only be done through the office and not through the school-provided device. 

At Connect Charter School, we already implement a well-established cell phone procedure, shaped by input from students, staff, and parents. Our existing approach has successfully supported responsible technology use while maintaining an engaging and focused learning environment.

To comply with the Ministerial Order, we are expanding our procedures to cover a broader range of internet-connected devices, including but not limited to:

• smartwatches 

• laptops

• tablets 

• and headphones

Personal devices are not permitted during off site experiences. 

These updates align with our current practices, so students should not experience significant changes. Accommodations may be made for medical or learning needs through individual program plans, with many tools available on students’ school iPads.

We plan to finalize this policy by the New Year and appreciate your support as we make these necessary adjustments.

What students will find in their student handbook is the following:

When students bring cell phones or personal mobile devices to school, they must be turned off during the school day. These devices should be kept in backpacks or lockers—not in pockets. Personal mobile device means any personal device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet, such as a cell phone, tablet, laptop, headphones or smartwatch. 

Using cell phones or personal devices during class time is only allowed for educational purposes and only if a teacher gives permission and supervises. If a student cannot follow these rules, including texting or calling a parent without permission, they will need to turn in their device to the school office. The device will be safely held there until the end of the school day, when the student can pick it up, and parents will be notified. If this happens a second time, a parent or guardian will need to come to the school office to retrieve the device. Continued noncompliance will be handled by school administration.

Please note that the school is not responsible for lost cell phones or personal devices, whether at school or offsite.

We appreciate your continued support as we implement these necessary adjustments. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Shannon Bennett

Principal, Connect Charter School

FALL MEAT FUNDRAISER