This year, in an effort to enhance the learning environment of students and promote their undivided attention in the classroom, the high school has implemented a new strategy– phone pockets. Students are now required to place their phones inside of a designated pocket immediately after entering each of their classrooms. 

“The school board has met a couple times about it,” said Marc Williams, principal. “The teachers have only given positive feedback, so it seems like it’s working for the most part.”

The school’s administration has committed themselves to finding a balance between the access of phones regarding the student body and maintaining an environment conducive to learning. For years to come, according to Williams, it is unlikely that the policy itself will change unless the state introduces new regulations.

“The state school board has been doing a study on cell phones and whether they need to be banned from Kansas schools. There’s a

lot of states that are banning cell phones away from schools because they’re saying they’re too distracted in the classroom and taking kids away from the educational process,” said Williams. “I’m sure students probably don’t like it one bit, but we’re trying everything we can to ensure students can still have their cell phones within schools.”

While the policy aims to reduce the amount of distractions in the classroom, students have mixed feelings about its effectiveness. Some feel that while the idea of it may seem beneficial, its execution lacks consistency.

“I feel like it was kinda a good idea in theory, but I don’t think it’s affected my learning at all.” said Ashlynn Smith, 11. “Very few of my classes even have phone pouches in them, and the ones that do don’t enforce it.”

The implementation of this new policy marks a significant step towards fostering a learning environment dedicated to encouraging students to engage in the content they are taught and work to their full potential. While some students may initially resist this change, only time will tell how personal development changes in an increasingly digital world.