As an Apple Distinguished School since 2013, Jackson Academy has been at the forefront of educational technology usage and innovative educational practices. The school adapts policies as it evaluates the latest information on technology in education, its benefits, and its effects.
JA strengthened its cell phone and electronic devices policies in 2024-2025 and the current academic year with input from faculty, administrators, and the Student Government Association. JA also adopted a new bell schedule after significant study of classroom and co-curricular activities. Today’s article focuses on information parents and students should know about these changes and how they enhance the campus environment.
Bell Schedule Modifications
After significant study of JA’s schedule, classroom needs, and student learning, JA moved to a revised schedule for Middle School and Upper School. Faculty believe the schedule offers opportunities for deeper learning, discussion, and meaningful engagement with students plus improved efficiency with activities.
The modified block schedule offers the following:
- Three Seven Period days, very similar to what JA has had in the past.
- Two Hybrid days that offer extended classroom time and an extended activity period.
- An optional Activity schedule that is enacted on days when special programs are scheduled, such as chapels, guest speakers and pep rallies.
- A consistent seventh period every day for activities or classes.
On Hybrid days, faculty can use the longer period for projects, labs, discussions, and other learning experiences that are hard to fit into shorter periods. These extended periods can be a powerful tool for building connections and encouraging critical thinking.
“At JA, we are always trying to evolve with the changing times when it comes to being a leader in the educational community,” said Head of Upper School Kyle Nichols. “With challenges such as AI changing the landscape of schools, we want to provide avenues for students to learn the skills they need to acquire inside the classroom as much as possible. The extended periods allow for teachers to hold writing assignments in-person or have extended time for labs and interactive activities that can be restricted by shorter periods. The extended periods also fall into our college preparatory mission as students will be presented with extended time periods in their collegiate schedules.”
Phone-Free Environment
Jackson Academy is implementing an “off and away policy” regarding cell phone use during the school day, which emphasizes the benefits of being phone-free for students. This policy is designed to foster a focused learning environment that enhances academics, promotes greater interpersonal relationships, and reduces on-campus discipline issues related to improper use of technology and social media.
Academic Dean and Head of Middle School Matt Morgan explains that the school prioritizes both teaching and learning, as well as the wellness of students. “As educators, we are committed to working with students and families to create a healthy and positive learning environment while reducing stress and distractions commonly associated with personal devices,” he said.
Students are strongly discouraged from bringing cell phones to school. If they must have one, it must be turned off and kept in their backpacks. This policy extends to break, lunch, chapel, and study halls. Cell phones can only be accessed after dismissal from carpool. Students can communicate with parents during the school day by using phones in the division offices, with office staff available to deliver messages to students as needed.
“Early observations are that it is working. The students have bought in, and we’ve seen higher levels of interpersonal engagement. That has been instant and noticeable,” said Morgan.
For students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, school-issued iPads with filtering technology are issued to students to promote safe and effective technology use during class. Students in grades six through twelve take their iPads home each day, while those in grades five and lower have their iPad as determined by the teacher during the school day. Teachers have the technology to monitor student use during class to ensure compliance with the policies.
Cell phone and wearable technology policies are available for review in the JA Parent & Student Handbook, which is accessible to all families and faculty/staff through OnCampus. We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with these policies to ensure a smooth transition and understanding of the new guidelines and disciplinary actions.
By understanding and supporting these initiatives, families can help contribute to a healthier and more positive school environment.
