New disciplinary measures rule the school
Photo: Miriam Brown
Juniors may soon be able to use their phones to do their homework in the Upper School Lounge. Previously, students have not enjoyed these cell phone privileges, but those rules may become more flexible soon.
As the new dean of students, Mrs. Kalyn Underwood has modified the student handbook to include new disciplinary measures for the 2015-2016 school year. Most of the major regulations will remain the same this year, but Mrs. Underwood said that she looks forward to shaking a few things up.
Last May, Mrs. Underwood organized a meeting for students to voice their opinions about changes they would like to see happen at St. George’s. One of the ideas suggested at this meeting was the ability for students to be able to use their cell phones in the upper school and senior lounges.
“That seemed like a fair request, so Mr. Peters said that would be something that he would look into, maybe around December,” Mrs. Underwood said.
Several students expressed their satisfaction about this developing idea regarding cell phone flexibility.
“It could be a privilege given to students because it is the student’s responsibility to manage their time and grades,” Lauren Marotta said.
Additionally, the cell phone tolerance applies to more than just the upper school lounges.
“Mrs. Alison had said she would be perfectly fine with students using their phones in the library, so I guess that would be something that would be beneficial for freshman and sophomores,” Mrs. Underwood said.
“It isn’t necessary to be texting people who have core classes at that time, but it should be OK to be looking at things on your phone if you have nothing else to do, or to be listening to music on your phone,” sophomore Carlos Rivera-Peraza said.
Another change is that juniors and seniors now go to referral instead of Saturday School if they forget to sign in or out of school during independent study. This compromise allows students to arrive at school early the next morning instead of attending Saturday School for two hours.
“I am excited about getting to know kids in different ways and talking to them about other things other than cells,” Mrs. Underwood said, referencing her years teaching Anatomy and AP Biology. “This is a fun new challenge for me in looking for ways that students get a voice.”
