Alice Fox

At the beginning of the school year, D303 implemented a new cell phone and technology policy that would be applied to daily expectations of students. The policy stretches through all grade levels in D303, but varies by age group.

All smartphone devices, including phones, watches and earbuds can be brought to school, but must be silenced and put away in the phone caddy during instructional periods. Students can use their phones during passing periods, lunch, study hall and other non-instructional periods. Phones can’t be accessed during PE or in the athletic locker rooms, and phones aren’t allowed to be taken with a student to the bathroom. This cell phone policy was designed for students to stay focused and be more connected to learning with the removal of technological distractions. 

The main purpose of the policy, according to the Superintendent Community Advisory Group, is to promote more engagement in education as well as to improve social interactions between students in the classroom. North wants to emphasize the importance of improving the classroom environment by limiting cell phone use at all grade levels.

North students see the cell phone policy in different ways. 

“[I’m] in the middle, [because] some students are always on their phones while some are already fine. So, it depends on the student.” says junior Breanna Arreguin. 

Other students see the phone policy as ineffective, as it barely changes anything for students. 

“I believe that some students are not following the guidelines for the phone rules. There should be no reason for it because it has failed to be completed by various students and teachers,” said Sadie Guarini, sophomore.

Many North teachers appreciate the phone policy and see it as beneficial for students. “It [the cellphone policy] seems to be helping students talk to each other more,” says Douglas Foster, PE teacher. “It’s a good thing.” 

Another North teacher believes that the cell phone policy helps to keep kids engaged in class and with each other. 

“[They’re] participating, talking to their neighbors [and] actually interacting when they’re asked to do so. I think it’s awesome for kids,” said Heather Hed, Spanish teacher.