By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
As the Hoisington school district prepares itself for the upcoming school year, the USD 431 Board of Education approved several policies at last week’s meeting, including the student handbook. Board member Julia Debes said multiple handbooks addressed smart watches specifically and wondered if there should be a district-wide policy referencing smart watches.
"I know a while back there were some concerns that the new smart watches could take pictures," said Debes. "Nothing to hold up the provisions, just something to consider if we need to do a district-wide policy."
Shellby Walker, Roosevelt Elementary School Principal in Hoisington, said some students will bring “gaming watches” that can be a distraction, but staff instruct the children to place them in their bookbags.
While the smart watches are allowed at Hoisington High School, Principal Joel Mason said no significant issues have come from the use.
"Even with cell phones...you can't have them it all in elementary schools, middle school has to keep them in their locker and at the high school we allow students to keep it on their person but hang it on the wall in the classroom," said Mason. "The technology policies change as they get older because they have a little bit more responsibility."
USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis said the Kansas State Department of Education has recommendations concerning smart devices and asked administrative staff to consider similar policies for next year.