PHOTO BY JENNIFER DING

The high school has started to implement policies that require students to not use their phones during class, such as placing phones in cell phone pockets instead of within backpacks.

Lily Grazela ‘26

REPORTER

The cell phone policy in the district, known as the 237 District Phone Policy, is designed to regulate the use of phones on campus and minimize disruptions during instructional time. Assistant Principal Maggie Hunt said that “[cell phones] disrupting instruction is our biggest concern and use for the policy.” With the rapid increase in student cell phone usage, the administration has recognized the potential for distractions in the learning environment. During previous years, phones were generally allowed in most classrooms. The new policy requires that students hand in their phones for the duration of each period. However, the policy is not intended to completely ban cell phones, but rather to set clear boundaries. Students are permitted to use phones during non-instructional times, such as “in-between periods, during lunch and learn, and during study halls,” said Hunt. This allows for a balance between student autonomy and maintaining focus in the classroom.

Adopted in 2003, the policy has undergone various revisions, with the most recent one occurring on June 21, 2021. Hunt said, “it says in the policy that the last revision date is June 21st, 2021, which tells me that that is when it was last revised to what it currently is.

However, it was officially adopted on May 19th, 2003.” This historical context highlights how the school district has adapted to evolving technology while maintaining core principles over time. While cell phone usage can be a point of contention in many schools, the high school has seen relatively few controversies regarding this policy. Hunt said, “this year, we haven’t received any [controversies]. We’ve felt pretty supported by our community. Even the students have been supportive.” This cooperative attitude from both students and parents suggests that the policy is viewed as fair and necessary for maintaining an optimal learning environment. The only notable concern arises during security events when students want phone access.

Hunt also reflected on her personal experience with cell phones when she was a student: “I got my first cell phone as a senior in high school. It didn’t come with me, and it didn’t have internet access,” she said. This highlights how drastically the role of cellphones in daily life has changed, especially for students today who are more connected to the internet via their devices. The school’s goal, according to Mrs. Hunt is not to eliminate phone use but to “provide the boundaries to help young people use it correctly.”

Ultimately, the success of the 237 District Phone Policy lies in the cooperation between students, staff, and the administration. Mrs. Hunt expressed her gratitude for how the school community has adapted to these guidelines, noting that “I really want to thank our students and staff for doing a good job and making sure they are used appropriately.” The policy is intended to serve as a guide to help students navigate the complexities of phone use while ensuring that learning remains the top priority in school.