Fredericksburg Free Press: Gladys West may be referred to as a “Hidden Figure,” but her name will be visibly and prominently celebrated at Fredericksburg’s new elementary school.

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The Virginia Department of Education is hosting Commonwealth Conversations to gather input from parents, educators, and community members on achieving cell phone-free education in Virginia, addressing youth mental health, and education performance. Following Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 33, which mandates cell phone-free education, school boards will implement related policies by the end of the year, with the changes taking effect in January 2025.

The Virginia Department of Education is hosting a series of Commonwealth Conversations to give parents, educators, and community members the opportunity to share their thoughts on the best ways to achieve cell phone-free education in Virginia and address the increasing evidence of the impact cell phone and social media usage has on youth mental health and education performance.

On July 9, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33 to establish cell phone-free education to promote the health and safety of Virginia’s K-12 students. Executive Order 33 directs the VDOE to provide guidance to school boards on cell phone-free education policies and procedures. School boards will establish local cell phone-free education policies and procedures before the end of this year.

Parents, educators, and interested community members are invited to attend a Commonwealth Conversation and discuss their expectations for the upcoming policy changes that will take effect in January 2025. Below is a list of the upcoming conversations being held throughout the Commonwealth:

Manassas – July 18, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Osbourn High School

Fredericksburg – July 30, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
James Monroe High School

-Virginia Department of Education

FCPS cellphone practices in 2023-24 included the following: phones must be turned off and stored out-of-sight during the school day except during specified times, and in limited areas. Secondary students were allowed to use their cell phones on buses provided they used headphones, earbuds or other personal listening equipment.

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To enhance the educational experience, Fredericksburg City Public Schools will enforce a new cell phone policy starting in August 2024. The policy, which affects all students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, is designed to minimize distractions and improve overall student well-being and academic performance.

New Policy Details:

– PK-5 Students: Cell phones will be entirely prohibited during the school day.
– 6-12 Students: Students must lock their phones in specially designed, magnetized Yondr phone pouches. These pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day or when students leave the building early.

The school division notes that the decision comes in response to growing concerns about the negative impact of cell phone use and social media on students’ mental and emotional health. Research indicates that reliance on social media and cell phones is linked to lower academic achievement, poor behavior choices, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and reduced engagement both in the classroom and in social settings.

According to the school district, a recent study involving 1,200 schools that implemented the Yondr program reported significant improvements:

– Teaching and Learning Time: 94% of teachers noted increased classroom teaching and learning time.
– Academic Performance: 65% of schools saw enhanced academic performance.
– Student Behavior: 74% of schools observed improved student behavior.
– Safety and Wellness: 86% of schools reported a positive impact on school safety and wellness.
– Student Engagement: 83% of schools experienced increased student engagement in the classroom.

The city has more than 3,600 students in its public schools. Cell phones have been a staple in public schools since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Arlington.

On February 6, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce played host to nearly 550 high school students hailing from King George, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford, and Fredericksburg, as well as homeschool and private school attendees, along with college students from Mary Washington University and Germanna Community College.

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Fredericksburg leaders are focusing on reducing teen violence following the shooting deaths of two teenagers shot and killed in March and June 2023.

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Prince William County Public Schools: "There is no school for students on Wednesday, November 22. All PWCS schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving."

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The Fredericksburg City Council has approved a budget amendment to fund bonuses to retain teachers in public schools.

The amendment to the city's Fiscal Year 2022 budget approves reimbursements received by the Fredericksburg City Public School system, which will come from Medicaid, state taxes, and the Virginia Department of Education.

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