SCSD #2 – Sheridan Media

Nowadays almost everyone has a cell phone, and in many cases it is invaluable. But there are places where cell phones are more of a problem than a solution. One of these places is school. Principals from Sheridan County’s three school districts spoke about the policies at their schools. This is the interview with Superintendent Scott Stults SCSD#2.

Last year, Sheridan high schools and junior high schools in Sheridan County School District No. 2 implemented a cell phone policy for students, and Superintendent Scott Stults explains how it has worked so far this school year.

This was different from last year, when students could use cell phones at recess, lunch and possibly even during class if teachers allowed it. “That is no longer the case,” Stults said.

He said he wanted to reassure parents about safety concerns.

“This is an extremely positive step forward and I applaud Mr Cleland and Mr Swan for choosing to introduce this mobile phone policy.”

Stults added that K-8 students have always had the same guidelines, so students coming into junior high don’t see anything different. He said the children were extremely cooperative and the teachers did a great job of modeling the guidelines to their students.

He said he has shared this with other superintendents across the state and this is a great decision for our children. Stults said national data shows social media helps with depression and anxiety, as well as cyberbullying. “We show them that there are better ways to communicate,” he said.

“When we make decisions that are best for our children, this is absolutely one of them. Our teachers have welcomed this and are also seeing more student engagement and fewer distractions, as well as more opportunities to focus on learning.”

Sheridan County School District No. 1 and SCSD No. 3 superintendents have addressed cell phone use in their schools, and those stories will be published later.