Administration approves new cell phone rule
Students are allowed to use phones Hoecker said. “Cell phone use all day for five minutes during the school day would be a disaster.” by TORIE RICHARDSON staff writer
This year, students can use their cell phones during the five minutes between midday advisory and activity one. According to principal of student affairs Mary Anne Hoecker, this time was provided for students who might need to find a ride home on short notice. “[The new rule was established] as a response to parent request and student need,” Hoecker said. However, according to senior Mary Hart, this rule may not benefit all students. “I think [the rule] helps some people, but I know that my parents both work, so they’re not going to check their phones in that five minutes,” Hart said. Hoecker said that the rule will not be expanded to passing periods or during lunch/activity. “This is the best it’s going to get,”
According to Hoecker, it is also very important for teachers to enforce the rule. Students need to know that a teacher’s word “means something.” “I think it’s important for teachers to enforce all our rules, and this is no exception,” Hoecker said. “Education comes first. Paying attention in class comes first.” English teacher Carrie Jacquin is relatively strict with enforcing the rule, especially during advisory. “I think the biggest thing is that we [as teachers] all need to try to do a better job of enforcing,” Jacquin said. “I think we see this with uniform policy. I think we see it with phones. Students are going to try to get away with what they feel is comfortable. As teachers, we’re charged with enforcing the rule.” Depending on context, Hart can understand why teachers are strict with the rule, but thinks it is a bit annoying
when teachers restrict phone usage during a student’s free time. During class time, however, it is important that the rule be enforced. “In the context of teaching, I definitely respect teachers who crack down on students who are using their phones,” Hart said. The administration considered allowing students to contact parents during advisory time, but, according to Hoecker, “advisory is really intended to build rapport” among students. Hart has seen girls be so interested in using their phones that they ignore the rest of their advisory, but cell phone usage does not have to be all bad, according to Hart. If students were allowed to use cell phones during advisory, they could share content such as a funny picture or post on twitter with friends. “It’s only a problem if you make it a problem,” Hart said. “It’s only a problem if you choose to use your device to isolate yourself from others.” H
Parking sticker rules modified, enforced Students must mark cars with parking stickers issue by administration
sticky SITUATION
The Dart asked 80 students who drive about their opinion on parking stickers.
by JESSE WALKER-MCGRAW staff writer
For more than eight years, STA girls parking in the student lot have been required to have parking stickers on their car windows. This year, the rule includes all student cars, regardless of how often they’re actually driven to school. Most students will park on campus at some point, according to the principle of student affairs Mary Ann Hoecker. According to administrative assistant Julia Berardi, the consequences of not having a sticker include being fined 10 dollars and receiving an SBR. Administrators may also have the car towed if deemed necessary. Students can visit Berardi in the M&A Building office at any point in the year, to get a parking sticker and register their car. They are required to fill out a form asking for their name, school year, the make of the car and the license plate number. “It takes about two minutes to get a sticker and takes about 10 seconds to put it on your car,” Hoecker said.
compiled by ADRIANNA OHMES
Do you have a parking sticker? photo by ADRIANNA OHMES
Each parking sticker’s specific number enables administration to notify students during the day if there is an issue involving their car, according to Berardi. “If you’re parked illegally, you have to move your car,” Hoecker said. Before this rule, the entire school would hear an announcement over the intercom. Now, the owner of the car can be paged in a less intrusive manner. This rule also allows the administration to verify all cars in the parking lots belong to students. According to junior Katie Hanson, many students do not like the parking sticker rule. However, she appreciates the stickers and thinks they are helpful. “[The parking lot is] meant for the students,” Hanson said. H
83% YES 17% NO
Do you think we should have stickers?
50% YES 45% NO 5% I DON’T CARE page designed by Christina Elias
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