Programming in Alice

My district is considering moving away from its introductory programming language of True BASIC and offering nothing in its place. The thought process is to start with Visual Basic or offer Advanced Office and throw in some VB. My compromise suggestion is to consider offering an introductory course in Alice for students grades 10-12. Anyone using this language? Thoughts or insights?

Cell Phone Policy

EdTech Focus on K-12: Stop Banning, Start Embracing - http://edtechmag.com/k12/events/updates/stop-banning-start-embracing.html
From Toy to Tool: Cell Phones in Learning - http://www.cellphonesinlearning.com/
Cell Phones In (and Out of) the Classroom - http://misterlamb.blogspot.com/

School administration is considering changing the cell phone policy. Should the current policy be changed? If so, what changes should be considered. If it should remain the same, why do you feel that way. Current policy states:
"Cell phones may be in the possession of a student if and only if a student has a valid permission form on file, and the phone is turned off during all instructional times. Instructionsl time is from 7:00 am until 2:15 pm.
1st Offense - Cell phone given to student at end of the school day.
2nd Offense - Cell phone will be given to parent.
3rd Offense - Cell phone will be given back at the end of school year."

Just Getting Started

Just trying to get started using a blog. I would like to use it with my high school classes but would like to try it myself first.