9/11 Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Vol. 47, No. 37
www.weeklyreview.ca
$1 includes GST
Your LOCAL Paper
ATB closing Holden branch at end of the month Company says changing usage by area residents no longer requires a branch Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The last day that ATB clients can use the services provided by the branch in Holden is Friday, September 27, when the branch will permanently close at noon that day. The statement from ATB says that the changes in usage by area residents shows they no longer need to have a location in Holden. “The decision to close was made after careful consideration of various factors, including the changing banking habits of Holden clients, with a growing preference for digital banking options and transactions at nearby full-service branch-
es,” the statement says. The statement also said that the long-time employee stationed in Holden is retiring. “We're grateful for the dedication of our team member in Holden, who is retiring after many years of service to the community. “We wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” the statement reads. Following the Holden location closure, customers will need to carry out their in-person banking needs in the towns of Tofield, Viking, or Vegreville. The former ATB building in Ryley still houses a full-service ATM.
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
The Holden ATB branch will permanently close on Friday, September 27.
BRSD sets new cell phone and social media policy Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Battle River School Division (BRSD) released their personal mobile device and social media policy last week, required by the Alberta government’s introduction of a province-wide restriction on cellphone use in the classroom, which was announced in June. “More than 68,000 parents, teachers, and school staff shared feedback on student cellphone use through an online survey between April 16 and May 3, 2024. “Based on that feedback, Alberta’s government (established) standards that (were) implemented on Sept. 1 to ensure personal mobile devices and social media do not disrupt learning,” the Alberta government’s website says.
Students’ personal mobile devices include cellphones, tablets, laptops, Chromebooks, smartwatches, and any gaming devices including electronic toys. These devices must be silenced or shut off while in the classroom. “All personal mobile devices must be kept in silent mode or powered off during instructional time and stored in students' backpacks, bags, or locked lockers,” BRSD’s policy says. Instructional time is defined as “time allocated in the school day specifically dedicated to delivering planned educational programs and activities; this includes guest or visitor presentations. This time is focused on teaching students the prescribed curriculum and achieving learning outcomes set by Alberta Education,” and does not
include student breaks, recess, lunch, and other non-instructional activities. School WiFi and school devices will restrict access to social media sites, which is also extended onto staff in schools, where they must abide by the same social media guidelines set in place. “Staff are expected to model proper mobile device use and behaviour during instructional time. “Students and staff cannot access social media on wireless school networks or school devices,” the policy says. Exceptions are made for students who require access to their device for their physical health, or for specific learning needs. “Limited use of personal mobile devices must be permitted, as determined by a principal or equivalent,
for health or medical reasons or to support social learning needs. “This must be documented within a Student Support Plan (SSP) as indicated and supported by a medical professional,” says the policy. While some parents might have appreciated the potential to directly contact their child in case of an emergency, with the new cellphone policy BRSD directs parents to phone the school. “In emergencies or when time is of the essence, parents/guardians should contact the school through the main office phone,” the policy says. While the cellphone restrictions were implemented on Sept. 1, school boards have been given until Jan. 1, 2025, to have their policies in place.