Norfork School Board implements plan for ‘Bell to Bell No Cell’ state law, continues free meals

The Norfork School Board had a busy session Monday evening during which the implemented their plan to comply with a new state law and they voted to continue with free meals for the upcoming school year.The new state law, Act 122, approved in February, is called the “Bell to Bell No Cell Act”. From the time students are required to be at school until the final bell, they are not allowed to have any electronic devices at school, including cell phones, smart watches, tablets, notebooks, computers or any device that can connect and transmit data through Bluetooth technology, except under certain circumstances.
Norfork schools will use the same pouches for phones they had last year. Students will put their phones and electronic devices in the locking pouches prior to first period and will get them back at the end of the day.

Superintendent Richard Blevins says anyone violating the policy the first time will lose their device to the principal and their parents will have to come to school to get the device back. A second violation will result in a two-day suspension from school and their parents will again have to come to school to get the device back.

The Norfork School Board also voted to keep school meals, both breakfast and lunch, free this school year like they were last year.

Blevins says the school has been busy this summer delivering free meals to youth in the Norfork School District. He says they delivered free meals every two weeks to those age 18 to birth who signed up. They had volunteers who made the deliveries including teachers and fire departments. Blevins says they fed around 230 children this summer and will continue to until school starts next month.

The board heard from several fire chiefs of volunteer departments who serve the school district who would like to begin a junior firefighter program in the school. The program would be for ages 14 and up. Blevins says they are still working out the logistics, but will have signups for those interested during open house. Those who take the course would receive volunteer hours towards graduation.

The board approved having work done at the back of the high school to prevent more flooding that has caused damage in recent years. There will be a ditch dug and concrete work to prevent further flooding.

The board also approved bids to purchase tile for the high school at a cost of $8,500 and carpet for the elementary high school library for $6,500 from Village Carpet Shop in Mountain Home.

The board also hired two para-pros for the special education department and one librarian aid.

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