The school board’s new cell phone policy has created a whirlwind of opinions throughout the district. The new policy establishes that phones are allowed during lunch, passing periods, and before and after school. The school board made this policy in hope of students focusing more in class. However, some students feel differently about the new policy. 

The policy states that phones must be out of sight, even when going to the bathroom. The only time phones are acceptable is when a teacher instructs students to use them. Phones are said to be a distraction and a limit could help test scores improve. Along with the school board, Junior English teacher, Westin Brown says this policy will be beneficial.

“I think limiting the use of phones helps students focus better in school because students are more passionate about their work without the distraction,” Brown said.

Under this policy if phones are seen, consequences will follow. If students need to search answers, listen to music, or complete online assignments, they must use their district provided laptops. Sophomore Zoe DeYoung believes there shouldn’t be consequences for being on her phone, claiming the district laptops prevent quick searches due to slow internet. 

“The district blocks everything on these laptops and the internet never works when I need to complete online assignments,” Deyoung (10) said. “My phone loads assignments quicker and not letting me use it stops me from getting all my work finished.” 

A variety of websites are blocked due to students finding new ways to distract themselves on their laptops. Junior Ari Markley questions if the new policy helps attentiveness when the district provides distracting technology.

“Limiting the use of phones doesn’t help me focus better because I just find different things to distract myself with like playing the New York Times Wordle and Connections,” Markley (11) said. 

Teachers have had struggles with the laptops as well. Freshman English teacher, Hannah McCartney, agrees with the student’s frustrations about the laptops, but thinks it’s a good decision by the Board of Education. 

“The policy helps teachers have a leg to stand on to prioritize focus in the classroom, but google classroom doesn’t load so we’ve had a hard time completing digital material,” McCartney said.

Administration is aware of the laptop and internet problems and claims they’re doing best to fix these issues. The laptop issues have created a concern of whether or not the school district has the authority to take away phone accessibility. Junior Eden Rhoades believes she has a solution.

“If the district is going to take our phones away, they must provide better laptops and internet access” Rhoades (11) said.