Pembina Trails Guidelines on Personal Mobile Devices (PMDs)

Dear Pembina Trails School Division Families, 

Subject: New Divisional Personal Mobile Device (PMD) Guidelines for 2024 – 2025 

On August 15, 2024, Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister, Nello Altomare, informed all Manitoba School Divisions to review and revise use of technology policies to include clear guidelines for cell phone use in Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools.  (Letter from Minister)

In accordance with the ministerial directive and our responsibility for fostering safe, caring, respectful and inclusive schools, Pembina Trails School Division will be implementing consistent expectations for PMD use across all our schools. We recognize that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring accommodations. Administration may approve an exemption for a student with a medical (URIS) and/or student specific learning plan.  Please contact the school if you have questions regarding planning for your child. 

Personal Mobile Devices (PMDs): Personal Mobile Devices may include, but are not limited to, any piece of lightweight electronically powered equipment. These devices are typically consumer electronic devices capable of communications, data processing and/or utility. Examples range from hand-held lightweight electronic devices such as tablets, e-readers and smart phones to small devices such as MP3 players, smart watches and electronic toys.” 

Student PMD Use  

In the Pembina Trails School Division, we aim to cultivate an optimal learning environment that minimizes distractions and promotes focused engagement in all school activities. By restricting the use of devices during school hours, we seek to foster a culture of connection, attentiveness, active participation, and respectful interaction among students and teachers. This aligns with our commitment to prioritizing educational excellence and ensuring the well-being of our students.  The Pembina Trails School Division will assume no responsibility in any circumstance for the loss, destruction, damage or theft of any electronic communication device or for any communication costs associated with the unauthorized use of such devices. Students and families are responsible for locating such lost or stolen items. 

Early/Middle Years (Grades K-8) 

      Pembina Trails: Students are not permitted to use a Personal Mobile Device (PMD) while on school premises during the school day. These grades are considered PMD-free learning environments.  If a student requires the use of a PMD  for notification to administer medication or has additional health-related concerns, accommodation must be provided by school administration.  

• Students are encouraged to keep their PMDs at home.   If brought to school PMDs cannot be kept on self.  Schools will provide specific direction regarding storage. 

High School (Grades 9-12) 

• Pembina Trails: Students in grades nine to 12 are not permitted to use PMDs during class time. Electronic communication devices can be used for educational purposes with the teacher's prior permission.  

• Students in grades 9-12 are permitted to continue to use their PMDs in the hallways and during spare time, as usual.   

We understand that these directives may represent a shift in practice.  Schools will communicate with students on an ongoing basis to clarify expectations and offer support. We remain committed to educating students regarding responsible use of technology, digital citizenship and invite families to participate in this vital conversation.  

The following resources may provide some valuable information to assist with conversations at home. 

 Digital Citizenship Resources for Family Engagement | Common Sense Education 

 Media Smarts