Dear Upper Upper Lynn Community,
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we must address some important changes regarding using personal digital devices (PDD). A PDD is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the Internet, such as a cell phone or a tablet.
For the safety and well-being of students and to create a more focused learning environment, the Ministry of Education requires all schools in the province to restrict student use of cell phones and other personal digital devices while at school.
As previously communicated by the Superintendent of Schools, the North Vancouver School District (NVSD) is focused on “devices off, learning on." In preparation for the 2024/2025 school year, I would like to share with families' changes made to the NVSD Code of Conduct and Upper Lynn's Code of Conduct related to PDDs.
The following guidelines will be in place for September, and are now part of Upper Lynn's Code of Conduct:
All students in the school community are expected to leave personal digital devices at home, in their bag/backpack during instructional time. Allowances may be made by the staff for instructional purposes, digital literacy, appropriate use based on age and developmental stage, accommodations within a student's Individual Education Plan, accessibility, medical and health needs, and/or equitable support for learning outcomes.
Across all NVSD elementary schools, there is no student access to or use of PDD at any time on the school campus during the school day. At Upper Lynn, we consider this policy in effect from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Parents are reminded that elementary students are always under direct supervision and that the school will communicate with home for emergent needs if they arise. As referred to in the above guidelines, students with specific educational or medical needs outlined in their Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Learning Support Plan (LSP) will continue to use PDD to support their educational or medical needs. If you have any questions, please contact your child's case manager.
If you need to contact your child during the day, please call 604-903-3820. The Upper Lynn staff is committed to enabling focused instructional time, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to create the best possible educational environment for all students. We look to parents, families and community members to also model, support and educate students on what it means to be a responsible digital citizen. Please find listed below some resources that may be helpful for continued conversations about the safe and responsible use of technology:
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Tim MacLeod
Principal
