LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Class is back in session Monday for the Clark County School District, so it’s time to study up on some new policies that will be in place this school year.
All middle and high school students have to wear an ID badge while on campus, and while in class, they’ll have to put their cell phones in these non-locking, signal-blocking pouches.
“We’ve listened to our community and the parents; the big thing was, ‘I need to get access to my kids in an emergency,’ and so that’s why we didn’t do like many other districts have done, like a full cell phone ban,” said CCSD associate superintendent Kevin McPartlin.
One CCSD student against the concept started a petition that now has more than 25,000 signatures.
“I think that these pouches are a complete waste of money just because it is basically a piece of fabric,” said student Charlize Leary. “It’s like telling a kid to put their phone in their backpack, but adding a plastic wrap around it.”
District officials say the purpose of the pouches is to help eliminate distractions in class, and students will have access to their phones in emergencies.
To keep students safe outside the classroom, this year, all CCSD middle schools will have crossing guards — 2 to 6 each, depending on the size and speed of nearby roads.
“Last year, I reported 70 students were struck by vehicles on their way to and from school in the school year. Unfortunately, this year, that number is doubled,” said CCSD Police Chief Mike Blackeye following the 2023-2024 school year.
As almost 300,000 students head back to campus, Metro Police are doing their part, too. They’re ready to educate drivers about the rules in a school zone.
“We’re going to have an increased presence out there, and we will be happy to issue a gentle reminder by way of citation if you break any of these rules,” said Lt. Daryl Rhoads with the Metro Police Traffic Bureau.
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