After fight leads to stabbing, Splendora ISD leaders say new cellphone policy will curb violence

Splendora ISD officials have updated the district’s cellphone policy to restrict the use of phones during transition periods between classes as they try to limit campus violence.

On Monday, a fight broke out between two Splendora Junior High students and one student stabbed the other, said Superintendent Jeff Burke.

No one was seriously injured during the fight, Burke said. 

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District leaders have been looking at ways to stem violence and Monday’s fight gave officials yet another reason to implement the changes, he said. 

“It was a scary situation,” he said, noting that the district has had ongoing conversations about policy changes. “We want to do everything we can to help prevent that from happening and mitigate it…we’re continuously looking for new ways to enhance security.” 

The new policy also includes a 5-day suspension for fighting. 

As of Thursday, eight fights among students have been reported at Splendora Junior High for the 2023-24 school year, a slight increase from last year, officials said.

In some instances, students have recorded these fights, said Communications Director Deitra Johnson.

Restrictions on recording fights is to “protect the privacy of our students and adhere to our legal responsibilities,” Johnson said via email. Some planned confrontations are being captured solely to attract attention of other students, she said.

“By curbing cellphone use, especially during transition periods when most conflicts tend to arise, we aim to discourage any glorification of violent altercations among our students,” Johnson said. “It’s essential to note that our schools are equipped with security cameras for investigatory purposes as needed. We are committed to fostering open and transparent communication, and want to assure you that we are dedicated to keeping parents informed through appropriate channels, while ensuring the privacy of all those involved.”

Previously, Johnson said the district also is concerned about students’ social media exposure “because it can be a source of distraction, cyberbullying, and potential exposure to inappropriate content.”

What are the new policy changes?

After the fight on Monday, the district sent out a letter to parents detailing the new policy changes, including a 5-day placement in the district’s disciplinary alternative education program for fighting or mutual combat, replacing the district’s previous one day suspension and three days of what the district calls “on-campus intervention.” 

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Junior high and high school students will be restricted from using cellphones during class transition periods. They are only allowed to use cellphones during breakfast, lunch, and after-school hours “with an emphasis on appropriate activities,” the district’s letter states. 

Students found recording video or engaging in what the district deems inappropriate behavior could lose phone privileges for the entire semester, the letter states. 

“That’s really just taking place at the junior high,” Burke said. “We’re not seeing the issues (at the high school level) to the extent that we’re seeing at the junior high.”

In addition to the new policies, the district will implement classes at the junior high and high school level to teach students conflict resolution skills and strategies, Burke said. 

“Middle school is a difficult time as it is,” Burke said, noting that social media plays a role in how students interact with each other. “We just want our kids to be able to resolve things in a healthy way.”

What is the district’s current cellphone policy?

Aside from changes to cellphone usage, students are permitted to have their cellphones on their person, but they must remain off during the school day and testing. Teachers may collect the phones if they are used without approval. The school principal will decide if the school returns a student’s phone. Phones that are confiscated will require a $15 fee from a parent in order to have the phone returned.

Johnson previously said distirct leaders believe cellphone use in the classroom can cause disparities due to individual students’ ability to access technology.

“Phones can be disruptive in an educational environment due to potential distractions, lack of control over content, and the temptation to engage in non-educational activities,” she said. “Additionally, some students may not have access to the same technology, creating inequalities in the classroom.”