Scituate Schools Implement New Cell Phone Policy, Enhance Safety Measures

District develops comprehensive emergency plan, trains staff on protocols

SCITUATE, MA -September 9 - Scituate High School introduced a new cell phone policy requiring students to place phones in caddies during class, while the school district developed a comprehensive emergency operations plan to enhance safety across all schools.

The cell phone policy, implemented at the start of the school year, aims to reduce distractions and improve focus. Jane Ryan, a Scituate High School senior, reported on the policy during a recent school committee meeting.

"Your phones are now placed in a cell phone caddy on the wall, and teachers have been pretty consistent about making sure all phones are put away," Ryan said. "Student input on this, I think, I haven't heard that many complaints."

Students can still use phones in hallways, during lunch and free periods. "Honestly, I think it should be good for the school," Ryan added.

Superintendent William Burkhead presented details of a new district-wide emergency operations plan developed over the past year.

"This addresses a variety of emergency situations that anyone can encounter," Burkhead said. "It's in user-friendly terms so that if a substitute comes in, they can have access to it."

The plan was created with local public safety officials, including police and fire department representatives. An emergency operations team meets weekly to discuss and refine safety protocols.

"While we've always been prepared, this is the first time that the stakeholders have come together to outline rules and responsibilities that ultimately will keep our community safe," Burkhead said.

The Chief of Police, Fire Chief and Superintendent reviewed and approved the plan. It includes protocols for shelter-in-place and lockdown procedures.

Burkhead emphasized regular training and drills. "We train all of our staff before the kids are even here," he said. "We commit those first two days and staff here to have an organized, well-planned training with the police and the fire, with fire drills in the first three days."

Police officers answer teachers' questions about specific classroom setups and concerns. Lockdown drills with students occur throughout the year, with advance communication to families.

A community forum on safety is planned for spring to foster home-school partnership on safety issues.

"I wanted to make sure the community knew that we prepare this, I would say, year round," Burkhead said. "In my mind, 365 days, but it's something we really work hard on in the summer, preparing for school."

The superintendent also participated in a national school safety and crisis communication event to stay current on best practices.