WARREN Cell phones allowed in schools

The fifth, sixth and ninth grades will start school a day before other grades.
By AMANDA GARRETT
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city school district would allow pupils to carry cell phones during school hours, but would still prohibit their use.
That's according to proposed changes to school policy introduced at Tuesday's school board meeting.
The current policy calls for school officials to seize cell phones found on pupils and return them to their parents.
The revised policy would allow pupils to bring cell phones to school but they would not be allowed to display or use them unless there is a family emergency.
The revised policy, which also extends to other electronic communications devices, such as beepers, would allow teachers to seize items being improperly used and return them to the pupils' parents or guardians.
The board is scheduled to vote on the new policy at its Aug. 8 meeting.
The board also approved Superintendent Kathryn Hellweg's recommendation that school begin on Aug. 28 for fifth-, sixth- and ninth-graders. School will begin the next day for children in other grades.
The extra day will allow pupils who are new to middle or high school more time to become comfortable with their surroundings, Hellweg said.
Other business
In other business the board approved:
UA $64,004 contract with the Great American Insurance Company for builders' risk insurance on the new high school.
UA contract with Valley Foods, Inc. of Youngstown to furnish pre-plated meals for $1.29 each to all elementary schools.
UAugust 16 as the date for summer graduation. The event will take place at 7 p.m. in Harding Auditorium.
UDr. Gary L. Kraker, D.O. as the volunteer team physician for Warren athletic teams.
agarrett@vindy.com