TMS/THS Principal Update
All,
It’s been a busy, exciting summer. As you may know, Troy High and Middle School is going through a transition period. Part of that process is determining what kind of school, staff group, and student population we want to be. Throughout my fifteen years as an educator in Troy, I have prided myself on how well our students, teachers, and support staff conduct themselves, and it is important that we continue to hold high expectations for the future.
In that spirit, I want to review/reveal some expectations for the upcoming Troy High/Middle School year.
I. Outside food and drink.
No outside food is permitted in the school during the learning day except for the designated lunch period (see below for more details). Water (and only water) in a clear bottle with a twist cap will be permitted. No mugs, no fountain drinks, no tumblers. If a student brings in a drink that violates the expectation, they will throw the drink away or the mug/tumbler will be confiscated until the end of the school day.
Rationale: Too many times we have seen students spill drinks in the hallway or classroom. This expectation helps the staff keep the school clean. We can also regulate what the students are drinking by requiring clear bottles.
UPDATED: 8-1-2024
I have had a few parents contact me about acceptable water bottles. Any water bottle that is clear and has a twist or no-spill lid will work. Re-usable or non. We have attached some pictures. Contact me if you have any more questions.
II. Lunch.
Parents/guardians may bring outside food for the students to eat during the designated lunch period. However, students will not be permitted to leave the school to collect said food. Food must be brought to the high school office by the parent/guardian, and students may collect the food once the bell for lunch dismisses them from class. The above drink expectation still applies.
Rationale: If we allow students to leave the building during the day, it disrupts the learning process. It also opens opportunities for further acts of deviance. This allows students to enjoy outside food while governing the process.
III. Cell phones.
Cell phones shall not be used in the classroom. Students at the high school shall use their cell phones during passing periods and lunch. Students at the middle school shall turn their cell phones in at the beginning of the school day. Consequences of violating the cell phone policy are (as it is detailed in the student handbook):
1st Offense: The teacher will confiscate the cell phone and return it to the student at the end of the class period. The teacher will notify the office of the offense.
2nd Offense: The teacher will confiscate the cell phone and take it to the office. The student may collect the cell phone after school.
Each additional offense will result in the loss of cell phone privileges for five school days. The student will check his or her cell phone into the office at the start of the school day and collect it after school.
Rationale: Studies show that cell phone usage is becoming a problem in our society; especially for teenagers. According to Common Sense Media, 50% of teenagers admitted an addiction to their phone. This disrupts the learning process; students fail to see the world around them when they are consumed by cell phone usage. To build more intelligent, aware, and caring citizens, we must combat this phenomenon.
Please note that this policy also pertains to other devices that are not conducive to the learning environment: Apple watches, mobile gaming systems, etc. I am prepared to take further action if this policy does not work.
IV. Other Technology
Parents/Guardians and students will be asked to sign an Acceptable Use Policy, a Laptop Policy, and a Personal Use Device Agreement (if a student desires to use their own laptop for online classes) as it pertains to technology in the classroom. These will be available during online enrollment.
Rationale: Students are asked to respect any technology devices supplied by the school and to use good citizenship when exploring the internet. If a student wants to use a personal laptop for online classes (and online classes only), he or she must agree to certain terms and conditions. I am prepared to take further action if the use of personal laptops becomes an issue.
These are non-negotiables. We must hold students, staff, and community members accountable. It is how we grow as a learning community.
“We cannot insure success, but we can deserve it.” – John Adams
Let us deserve it.
If you have any questions or concerns, please see the communication options below.
Jeremy Prudden
Troy High/Middle School Principal
785-985-3533 Ext. 3100
jprudden@troyusd.org