New Policy for the 2024-25 School Year
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
As we approach the start of the new school year, I want to remind you of an important change that will take effect for all our schools. As communicated in late June, the Hanover School Division informed parents/caregivers that a cell phone-free learning environment would be implemented in September 2024 for all students in Grades K-8.
On August 15, 2024, the Province of Manitoba established enhanced guidelines for school cell phone use to minimize distractions and support student learning and safety. This new provincial directive, which all public school divisions must adhere to, aligns with our new policy and further expands upon existing protocols for Grades 9-12.
Effective September 3, 2024, Hanover School Division will implement the following protocols in all HSD schools:
Grades K-8
Students are not permitted to bring their phones to school.
Grades 9-12
Students are banned from cell phone use during class time and may be permitted to use cell phones during break times/lunch and for educational purposes when directed by classroom teachers. We remind parents to limit texting their high school students during class hours to minimize distractions.
Schools will provide appropriate exceptions to support students with medical or diverse learning needs. We ask students to respect the privacy of classmates who have been granted such exceptions.
Our collective goal is to create an educational environment where students can fully engage in their learning without the distractions that cell phones often present. We appreciate your continued support in helping us create the best possible learning environment for our students.
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal in early September.
Regards,
Colin Campbell, Assistant Superintendent
Hanover School Division
in: Announcements