On Jan. 21, the new district-wide phone policy went into effect for all middle and high schools. The policy, which was first announced prior to winter break, is more strict than previous policies but not a full ban.
During instructional time, phones must be stored in backpacks, purses, hanging pouches or lockers, with ringers silenced. Phones must not be seen, heard or in use. Headphones and earbuds are prohibited during instructional time and must be stored away. Smartwatches may be worn but cannot be used for communication during instructional time.
During non-instructional time, middle school students may use cell phones during passing periods and lunch but not during study hall. High school students may use cell phones during passing periods, lunch, study hall and open hours, but they are not allowed to use them in hallways during instructional time. Review the full policy here.
An announcement is made at the beginning of each class to remind students to put their devices in their bags. This acts as students’ first and only warning.
If a cell phone, earbuds or headphones are seen, heard or in use during instructional time the teacher shall contact the office and the device shall be confiscated until the end of the day.

Ultimately, the decision to make a stricter policy on phones in classrooms is due to the distraction that phones cause. “The majority of teachers and administrators would argue that phones are problematic in classrooms. And deep down, I would say a lot of students would say that as well,” West High Principal Mitch Gross said.
Administrators believe that this new phone policy will affect our school for the better. As phones are away, they will be less distracting for students during class and allow them to be more present.
“The optimistic part of me hopes that it helps students realize how much easier it is to focus in class when they’re not trying to split their attention between [a] phone and what’s going on in class,” West High Assistant Principal Maureen Head said. “I hope that it gives teachers a reminder [that they are] role models, [they] shouldn’t be on their phones either. They should be out interacting with students and making sure their questions are answered and that they’re getting the support they need.”
“Districts that have done phone bans have actually seen an increase in academic achievement, a decrease in discipline [and] an increase in social-emotional health aspects. For example, if you’re not able to be on your phone, you’re not gonna see what somebody said about you on [social media],” Gross said.
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