December 2, 2002

There's an opportunity to meet with state leaders and Sacramento journalists for the 10 high school juniors and seniors who write the best essays about cell phones at school.

The essay contest is sponsored by the LegiSchool Project, a civic education collaboration between the Center for California Studies at California State University, Sacramento and the State Legislature.

Winners will receive roundtrip travel to Sacramento on Thursday, March 20, to take part in LegiSchool's daylong Student Journalism Summit. The day will include participating in a student-run press conference with members of the State Legislature, lunch at the Capitol, tours of the Capitol and the Golden State Museum, and an afternoon roundtable discussion with local journalists.

Cell phones had been banned in California public schools for 14 years until September, when Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation allowing school districts to decide the issue on their own. He cited concerns about school safety.

Essays must answer the following: What is your school's policy on cell phone use at school? Do you agree or disagree? Explain. Do you think that students feel more secure at school with cell phones or do you feel that cell phones at school are too disruptive to the learning environment? Does the ability to carry a cell phone at school further the divide between those who can and cannot afford a cell phone?

Essays must be typed, double-spaced and 750 words or less. Submissions should include the student's name, home address, phone number, name of high school and teacher who announced the contest. They must be postmarked by Jan. 13 and submitted to: CSUS, Center for California Studies, LegiSchool Essay Contest, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6081.

More information is available by contacting the LegiSchool Project (916) 278-6906. Media assistance is available by contacting CSUS public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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