Cellphones, Smartwatches, and Social Media

FAQs: Cellphones, Smartwatches, and Social Media

The Pouch: How it Works

When is my student expected to turn off their cellphone or smartwatch and put the item(s) in the pouch?
- Students will be asked to put phones in pouches at the start of first period. The student is expected to keep up with the pouch all day.
When will the pouch be unlocked for all students to remove their cellphones/smartwatches?
- Pouches will be unlocked during the final five minutes of last period.
How does the pouch work?
- The pouch has a locking mechanism that secures items inside by pushing a tab into place. The pouch unlocks with a specialized magnet.
When does this go into effect at MSGA and MMS?
- August 1, 2024.
How does my student get a pouch?
- The pouch will be provided by the first-period teacher.
Does my child have to purchase a pouch?
- No, a free pouch will be provided by the school each day.
Will my child always get the same pouch each day from their teacher – is it assigned specifically to my child?
- No.
What if I want my child to have their own pouch?
- Pouches will be available for purchase during back-to-school events for any student who wants to buy their own pouch. The cost is $25.50 per pouch. If a student purchases a pouch, the student will retain possession of this pouch throughout the school day and take it home (unlocked) after school.
Will my student be able to access their cellphone/smartwatch during lunch and class changes?
- No.
Will my student have access to their cellphone/smartwatch once school dismisses?
- Yes.
What if my student purchases a pouch and brings it home, but it is still locked?
- The teacher will unlock all pouches at the end of the day. If your student relocks the pouch on their own after school, they will only do this once, and then they will learn.

Communication: Contact with Your Child During the School Day

If I have a change in my student’s after-school transportation, will a message be relayed to my student?
- Yes. At MSGA, email msgatransportation@marietta-city.org; at MMS, email mmstransportation@marietta-city.org – a message will be relayed to your child in class, and a confirmation email will be sent back to the parent to confirm the message was received and delivered.
How can I communicate with my student for an unexpected early dismissal?
- Report, as normal, to the attendance office at the time you desire an early checkout, and your student will be called from class.
What if my student doesn’t feel well at school – how will I know?
- Your student will get a pass from a teacher/administrator to report to the nurse. Your child will contact you from the school clinic.
My child participates in after-school activities – will they have access to their phone after school?
- Yes.
How will I know if athletic practices/games (at middle grades or MHS) are canceled?
- Coaches will communicate with families in a timely manner through the Marietta Blue Devils app. Announcements will also be made at the end of the school day to all students (over the intercom) regarding any change to after-school activities.
What if I need to communicate with my child regarding a non-transportation or non-attendance matter?
- You can contact the front office. School staff will use their discretion in relaying messages that are of an urgent or time-sensitive nature. However, don’t expect school staff to relay messages to your student(s) about what they want for dinner or about needing a parent to bring an item they forgot to school. They will learn.

Documented Medical Conditions: Accommodations

My student has a peanut allergy – how can I be assured the pouch is not contaminated?
- Your student will be assigned a free, special pouch that will remain sealed before/after school. Your student also has the option to purchase a pouch that can remain in their possession before, during, and after school.
My student is diabetic – what accommodations will be provided to check medical alerts on a cellphone/smartwatch?
- The school nurse will communicate with each student and family prior to the start of the school year to coordinate a safe and appropriate health care plan.
My student has anxiety and needs to reach a parent during the school day – how will this be accommodated?
- A parent of a student with anxiety should communicate with school administration prior to the start of the school year to coordinate an appropriate plan. Your student will have access to caring adults (outside the classroom) who will have the ability to unlock the pouch and assist as needed.
My student would prefer to contact their parent and not go to the nurse – how will this be handled?
- Students can go to the nurse, counselor, or administrator – all are prepared to handle health-related situations with sensitivity and compassion while also keeping the parent updated.
My child has a documented medical condition; who should I contact to confirm the appropriate accommodations?
- Please contact Michele Sayles Harris, Chief of Student Services, as early as possible
  (msaylesharris@marietta-city.org ; (770) 422-3500 ext. 7238)

Additional Considerations: Field Trips, Personal Technology Devices, and BSP

Are cellphones/smartwatches allowed during the before-school program (BSP) at MSGA?
- Yes.
Are cellphones/smartwatches allowed during launch period at MMS?
- Yes.
Will cellphones/smartwatches be secured in pouches during school-sponsored field trips?
- Yes.
Are students allowed to bring personal technology devices (i.e., iPad, personal Chromebook, etc.)to school?
- No. Given the potential for a student to use their personal device to bypass district security filters, students will not be allowed to use personal devices during the school day.
In the past, teachers have integrated cellphones and social media into my student’s academic class (through QR codes, assignments, club announcements, etc.)—will this be addressed?
- Yes. Teachers at MSGA and MMS understand that no assignment should require using a cellphone or access to social media.

WATCH: Intro to Yondr

View MSGA's Technology Policy

Rising Sixth-Grade Parent Resources

menu-trigger-container

translate-container

mobile-search

mobile-main-nav

mobile-district-nav

mobile-staff-nav

mobile-header-utility-nav

header-container

header-top

logo-container

logo-image

logo-title

menu-trigger-container

right-container

translate-container

header-utility-nav

district-nav

header-bottom

nav-main

staff-nav

search-container

trigger-search

site-search

horizontal-nav

BREADCRUMB

In This Section

Cellphones, Smartwatches, and Social Media

FAQs: Cellphones, Smartwatches, and Social Media

The Pouch: How it Works

Communication: Contact with Your Child During the School Day

Documented Medical Conditions: Accommodations

Additional Considerations: Field Trips, Personal Technology Devices, and BSP

WATCH: Intro to Yondr