Zalma R-5 superintendent: expectations for 2024-25

The Zalma R-5 school district has certain expectations regarding student backpacks, cell phones, smart devices and the dress code for this new school year. Let’s start off with cell phones. We all agree cell phones have become part of the fabric of our society and culture. It wasn’t that many years ago that cell phones were limited to only making calls and texting.

However, today the cell phone is a device that allows for instant access to nearly unlimited applications and information. I have heard from many parents, teachers, and students about their concerns regarding how cell phones have become a distraction during the school day.

Research has found that mobile phones can be disruptive in classrooms and open to misuse at school (e.g. accessing inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and unauthorized photography).

Additionally, research shows that the unregulated presence of mobile phones in classrooms can undermine students’ capacity to think, learn, remember, pay attention and regulate emotion. A summary of recent, relevant research is available on the Department of Education website. Consequences will be enforced if a student does not follow the cell phone/telecommunication device rules that are addressed in the Student Handbook. If a cell phone is seen at all it will be taken.

• First incident: A Parent must pick up the phone and one day of ISS is assigned.

• Second incident: A Parent must pick up the phone and three days of ISS are assigned.

• Third incident: A parent must pick up the phone and one day OSS is assigned.

• Fourth incident: A parent must pick up the phone and a long-term suspension is assigned up to expulsion.

Student safety is a major concern. Across the country, we have seen an increase in threatening behavior and contraband, including weapons, being brought into schools at all levels. Backpacks make it easier for students to hide contraband and weapons, which can be disassembled and harder to identify or hidden in pockets, inside books or under other items.

Because of these threats, Zalma R5 has implemented a new backpack, purse, and bag policy for the 2024-2025 school year.

Backpacks, purses, and bags must be placed in the student’s locker upon arrival to campus and must remain in the locker until the student is leaving campus. Backpacks will not be allowed in restrooms, classrooms or common areas. The school will provide locks for the lockers at no charge for the first lock. There will be a $25 replacement fee charged for lost or damaged locks. Dress Code changes for this school year include improving the wording in the dress code to make it easier to follow and clear up some confusion in the dress code policy. The improvements are as follows:

• Shorts must be long enough that a dollar bill placed at the top of the knee long ways will touch the bottom of the shorts.

• When wearing spandex or other similar elastic material, a shirt long enough to cover the student’s bottom must be worn. This includes leggings, shorts, jeggings, or any other skin tight garments.

Students violating the dress code will be asked to change or cover up the garment in question. The student can change into other clothing they may have with them, or we will provide clothing for them. If a student refuses, a parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the student. This will count as an out-of-school suspension.