Cell phone use top problem for discipline at Tecumseh High School

By DEB WUETHRICH

 Tecumseh High School (THS) policy requires that students who have cell phones may bring them to school, but they are to be placed in lockers during instructional time. The THS second semester discipline report shows that possession of personal electronics continues to be a big concern, according to Assistant Principal Dennis Niles, who shared data with Tecumseh School Board members Monday night.

Total incidents involving personal electronics were down slightly, to 96, compared to 104 incidents in 2009; however, Niles said that many students still do not follow the district’s rules.

“If it’s illegal to text while driving, it’s not a good idea to do it while learning as well,” he said, pointing to Michigan’s recent law on the subject of texting.

Student phones, and other electronics, are confiscated on the first incident and parents must come and retrieve them. Niles said the district uses that occasion to help educate parents on the potential for student misuse of phones, whether texting answers to an exam or using phone cameras inappropriately. A second incident nets the student a one-day suspension, and a third, three days.

Discussion on the topic included a comment that consistent enforcement throughout classrooms be enacted, and ensuring that teachers also do not use cell phones in the classroom, since there is no policy on that. Niles said the district understands why students need cell phones to contact parents after extracurricular activities since there are no longer payphones, however the phones must be used appropriately and at the proper time.

Greg Lewis, Assistant Principal at Tecumseh Middle School, also presented a disciplinary report for second semester. The highest number of incidents occurred in the areas of failure to comply/insubordination; rude, abusive, inappropriate behavior/language; and classroom disruption.

Tecumseh Middle School teachers Kristin Hess and Joseph Bundas, who teach seventh grade science, reported on progress to bring Project Lead the Way topics to the middle school through an Explorer program beginning this year. The project is made possible through a $32,000 grant from the Lenawee Intermediate School District.

Hess said the district would begin by teaching units within the Gateway to Technology section of the program including projects in The Science and Technology units and Flight and Space units and some chemistry. The teachers recently attended training sessions on these topic areas and hope to help students build items such as an airfoil and/or dragster using “Inventor” software technology which Hess said is beyond AutoCad. A current events project involved a mock “tanker” leaking vegetable oil where participants had to figure out how to clean up the spill.

Grant funds will help purchase some laptop computers and other equipment, while the district also will be able to borrow items such as a track to test the dragsters on from the LISD. Approximately 120 students, randomly selected through the Explorer program, would likely receive the hands-on training this year, but portions also may be integrated into science classes, the teachers said.

“It’s a very good science-oriented, hands-on program, and uses critical thinking skills,” said Bundas. The project will be expanded over the three-year period of the grant.
School board members also:

• Received the district’s Annual Education Report, which includes notification that all district buildings made Adequate Yearly Progress this year, and announces Tecumseh’s ACT scores being the highest of all public schools in Lenawee County. The full report is available at www.tps.k12.mi.us/web/annreport.html or at the superintendent’s office.
• Heard reports from district building principals on the hiring of several new teachers and secretarial staff, with interviews proceeding on a few positions yet to be filled.
• Heard a report from Chief Executive Officer Bill Wright from D.M. Burr, the district’s new custodial contractor, on progress of cleaning and maintenance throughout the facilities. Regular shifts are scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 30.
• Learned that United Bank and Trust would be making a $3,000 donation toward the Concession/Rest Room building at the athletic complex.
• Approved 2010-11 professional agreements for nursing services with Promedica Continuing Care Services and Criticore Nursing Agency.
• Approved elementary (K-4) breakfast prices at $1.25, lunch, $2, and milk at $.45; middle and high school (5-12) breakfast prices at $1.25, lunch $2.25, with $3.25 for premium meal, and milk $.45. Adult price for meal is $3.50.