Egg Harbor School Board Bans Cell Phones in Classrooms to Curb Disruptions
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
09/17/2024
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Recording Published:
09/20/2024
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Duration:
55 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Atlantic County
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Towns:
Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township
- Meeting Overview:
The Egg Harbor School Board meeting on January 3rd, 2024, saw the appointment of Mrs. Tamika Gilbert-Floyd as the acting board president for the session, and included discussions on cell phone policies, facilities upgrades, and various district initiatives.
The most pressing topic discussed was the decision to ban cell phones in classrooms. The superintendent reported that cell phones had become a major disruption, interfering with both classroom activities and safety drills. To counter these issues, the district decided on a complete ban, emphasizing that students have access to Chromebooks for all necessary research and communication. Parents were informed of this policy change and encouraged to contact school staff directly to relay messages to their children.
In her address, the superintendent expressed pride in the district’s smooth start to the school year, highlighting the theme “Welcome DHT: Our Future is Now” which drew parallels to futuristic technology from the 1960s Jetsons’ show. The importance of building relationships was emphasized, with personal anecdotes about riding school buses to connect with students. The superintendent emphasized the district’s mission to “Embrace, Engage, Educate,” stressing the need to understand students’ backgrounds and cultures. Teachers were encouraged to engage in team-building activities and foster positive interactions with students.
The superintendent also highlighted a successful surfing trip for communicative adaptive students, facilitated by teachers in partnership with the Longport Beach Patrol. This initiative was highlighted as a significant example of fostering student achievement and enhancing the district’s climate and culture. The district’s focus areas include improving literacy, enhancing social-emotional learning, and promoting kindness among students.
An introduction of new student board representatives, Osa Nby and Marcus Sereo, was made, with the superintendent welcoming them and encouraging them to share their insights from their experiences within the district. Several community partnerships and donations, including school supplies from local organizations, were acknowledged.
The meeting transitioned to a presentation by the facilities department, led by Mr. Woodro and Mr. Wayne H. Hall. They detailed several projects completed over the summer, including a new playground at the high school for preschool students, a renovation of the Slay Ball Elementary kitchen, a new fire alarm system, and an overhaul of the gym floor at Alder. Mr. Woodro noted that new bleachers were expected to arrive in November, and the high school’s old lockers and flooring were replaced.
Mr. Hall elaborated on other improvements, such as a makeover of the athletic and training office and the construction of an Esports Arena. He also discussed the greenhouse project nearing completion and highlighted the successful pool column repair completed ahead of schedule. Improvements to the bus parking lot were also mentioned, aimed at enhancing cleanliness and reducing wear on the buses.
Public comments included questions about the high school greenhouse project, confirming its near completion, and praise for the facilities team’s hard work. A student representative provided a report on various school activities, noting sidewalk decorations at Slay Ball Swift complex, school supply deliveries at Davenport, and musical interest fostering at Miller School. Other highlights included spirit week preparations at Alder School, auditions for “Aladdin Junior” at Fernwood, and new courses at the high school.
The finance and operations report acknowledged a successful start to the school year despite some delays, and highlighted a potential partnership to assist in recruiting bus drivers and aides. The food services department launched a second free breakfast program for students, and various community donations were acknowledged. The committee reviewed several agenda items for approval, including transportation contracts and a change order for the high school exterior metal panel project. The budget development process for the 2025-2026 fiscal year was also discussed.
The curriculum report included updates on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) and Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) scores, with a public presentation scheduled for the following month. A partnership with the Municipal Alliance was mentioned, focusing on workshops addressing drug and vaping issues.
The policy committee reviewed several policies, including the code of conduct and the use of school facilities. A minor change to the code of conduct regarding communication devices was recommended, and updates to the eligibility of resident and non-resident students were based on new legislation. The public attendance policy was reviewed, with changes awaiting board approval.
Dr. Kimberly Gruccio
School Board Officials:
Mrs. Barbara Szilagyi, Mrs. Marita Sullivan, Mrs. Regina Bongiorno, Mr. Lou Della Barca, Mrs. Tamika Gilbert-Floyd, Ms. Juanita Hyman, Mr. Patrick Ireland, Mr. Michael Price, Mr. Nicholas Seppy
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
09/17/2024
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Recording Published:
09/20/2024
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Duration:
55 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Atlantic County
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Towns:
Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township
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