NEWCASTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS / From the desk of Dr. Cathy Walker
Hello Racer Families,
Iwant to share with you two items that were recently approved by the school board. The school calendar for the 2024 2025 school year and the new cell phone policy. The first day of school will be August 6, 2024 with the last day being May 22, 2025 which will also be graduation. The calendar is available on the district’s website.
The school board has adopted a cell phone policy to protect students and teachers. In the policy, you will find expectations for students who bring a cell phone to school. A few of those expectations include: 1. With the guidance and approval of administration, it is the expectation that student cell phones will remain on silent and be put away or stored and not used during class time. 2. Cell phone cameras and audio recorders may be only used for specific educational benefit and only with prior permission of the teacher or administrator.
3. Considerable leniency for cell phone use will be allowed in emergency situations. However, cell phone use should not interfere with the student’s ability to follow directions or adhere to safety advisement from school personnel.
4. Watches that possess activated functionality as a cellular device (cell phone) will fall under the provisions of this policy.
I would encourage you to read the entire policy which is located on the district’s website under the board of education tab.
It is important to remember not all students can have their pictures taken or be videoed so please talk with your student about cell phone etiquette and digital citizenship. Digital citizenship includes knowledge, skills, and practices to protect against harmful content, cyberbullying, privacy risks, scams and viruses. I have included a few links for you to use as resources: isafe, Be Internet Awesome, and Common Sense Media. These resources and others can be found on the State Department of Education Website.
We also need your help. Students want to respond to you when you text them even if they are in class which disrupts the learning process. If you need to contact your child during the school day, please notify the school’s office and a message will be delivered to your child.
Finally, I want to update you on the bond projects. Construction at the middle school is well underway. Demolition and dirt work is complete and I am excited about the next phase of construction. Also, dirt work for the restrooms at the track has been completed. These two projects are scheduled to be finished by January 2025.
Thank you for everything you do to support Newcastle Public Schools.
It’s a great day to be a RACER!
Dr. Walker
Every Racer. Every Day.
