As a way to minimize distractions in schools, the Manitoba government is banning the use of cellphones in the classroom starting this September, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare announced today. “We want young people to be able to focus in class so they can learn more and feel confident. We know cellphones can be a real distraction for students – studies show it can take up to 20 minutes for a child to refocus on what they were learning once distracted,” Altomare said. “These provincial guidelines will give teachers the tools they need to keep students focused and ensure class time is spent on learning. Plus, we will take safety and medical concerns into account so all risks are minimized.” Schools and school divisions will implement updated policies as students head back to school in September to ensure consistency across the province, which include: banning cellphone use during school hours, including lunch and breaks, for students in kindergarten to Grade 8; banning cellphone use for students in grades 9 to 12 during class time, with cellphone use permitted during breaks and lunch; and clear direction for cellphone use in classrooms for school staff. Guidelines will include exceptions to support students with medical and diverse learning needs, as well as cellphone use for educational purposes in grades 9 to 12 when directed by classroom teachers. “Our school implemented cellphone restrictions last school year that did not allow students to use cellphones during class time,” Evan Janzen Roth, senior years mathematics teacher and department head, Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate. “Students were allowed to use cellphones on their breaks. I have noticed that with these restrictions in place, when students would finish work or assessments early, it has given them the opportunity to read more books or engage more with their peers and teachers. The restrictions have also increased students focus without the distraction of their phones. It has been really nice that the cellphone policy was school wide so that everyone had the same expectations, and it was quite easy to implement because of that.” Under the Public Schools Act, school divisions are required to establish use of technology policies tailored to local needs, the minister noted.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE”: Joshua FAWCETT FOR Theft Under $5000 & Fail to Comply with Release Order.  On August 7th, 2024, Joshua FAWCETT was identified thru video surveillance entering a business located in the 1000 block of 18th Street, where he stole a box of Winchester ammunition. At the time of the theft, FAWCETT was on a Release Order with conditions not to possess ammunition. FAWCETT’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. CRIME OF THE WEEK for August 15, 2024 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Break & Enter.  On August 12, 2024, two unknown males smashed the glass door and made entry into a business located in the 100 block of 18th Street. Once inside the thieves were captured on video surveillance stealing folding knives and glass bongs. ******************* If you have information about this or any other crime you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.

On August 13th at 7:05PM police were notified of a male on the roof of a business in the 700 block of Rosser Avenue who was tampering with an air conditioning unit. With the assistance of Brandon Fire & Emergency Services he was removed from the roof and apprehended. The 30-year-old male had forced entry through a fenced off area on the roof. The male was lodged at BPS and will appear in court in the morning.

On August 12th at 1:38PM police observed two males actively dealing drugs in the 1000 block of Rosser Avenue. Police observed a 50-year-old male sell a bag containing meth to a 44-year-old male. Both males were arrested. A search yielded several small bags containing meth on the 50-year-old male. He was lodged for court in the morning while the 44-year-old male was released on an Undertaking with a court date of October 10th, 2024.

On August 12th at 3:13AM police received a report of a break and enter to a business in the 100 block of 18th Street. Two suspects, both dressed in black, stole nine folding knives, three glass bongs and lighters. One with a backpack with a Nike swoosh and red shoes, the other wore a red bandana on the face. If you have any information pertaining to this incident, please contact police. Police continue to investigate.