The work we do at Mission College Prep is always aiming towards the highpoint of our mission, which is to foster deeper life with God and deeper life with one another.
In pursuit of this, we want our students to optimize all of the 20th century learning tools at their disposal. But these tools and their applications must always be in alignment with this mission; and over the past several years we have observed some troubling trends involving cell phone usage among our students.
Smart phones are frustratingly efficient devices for sending out messages that can taunt, shame, and threaten. There is also considerable research showing that the addictive and distractive properties of cell phones far outweigh any benefit they may bring to the learning process. Now we are seeing growing numbers of our students living large portions of their high school days, head down, with their attention glued to a phone screen, in isolation. All of this is in clear opposition to our mission.
After several months exploring all options and in fidelity to this mission, MCP is taking the important step of eliminating student access to cell phones during the school day, beginning with the first day of classes this fall.
Students and families will still be able to reach each other in the case of emergencies during school day. Students will still have full access to their email and other messaging services during the school day via their computer, laptop, or tablet. We know that cell phones are not the only devices capable of feeding these addictions or delivering (and receiving) these attacks. But the large screen format of laptops and tablets means they cannot be used as impulsively. They also cannot be used as easily in isolation, nor hidden as easily from adult supervision (or anyone else's).
To best support our students and staff through this expectation, MCP will be utilizing a product called the Yondr Pouch. This product secures a student’s phone during the entire school day but allows a student to easily access their phone as soon as school is dismissed. That pouch is regarded as one of the required materials for all students in their A and E period classes (like textbooks, notebooks, etc.). MCP will be purchasing these pouches in bulk to reduce the cost to families (no more than $30 per pouch) and we will distribute one pouch to every student in the fall, on the first day of classes.
We realize this change is significant and I want to thank the team of MCP teachers and staff, with input from both students and parents, who spent several months exploring solutions. If anyone would like further clarification or if you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me. We are making this change to ensure Mission College Prep remains an exceptional place for both teaching and learning and we thank you for your partnership in this ministry.
Yours in Christ,
Mike Susank