Cells for cells? HS considers tightening phone rules

The school’s phone rules are being enforced more, according to Co-Principal Mr. Michael Bergey.

“It was a conversation we had with the entire faculty,” he added.

How these rules are enforced is generally up to the teachers. Repeated warnings to stop phone use can lead to a student being sent to the office, said Mr. Bergey.

“Personally-owned electronic devices are permitted for use during the school day for academic purposes and/or in approved locations only,” according to the 2022-2023 Milton High School Student Handbook.

If a student needs to contact a parent about transportation, the protocol would be for them to go to the office. Mr. Bergey added this would apply if they decide to use their phone instead of the office phone.

According to Mr. Bergey, whether or not students use phones when the internet is down, or submit something on an educational platform is up to teacher discretion. Students who use their phone for Safe2Say can use their laptops instead, he added.

Mr. Bergey said an exception for which phones are be allowed is to access health apps. He added an example of this would be students using their phone to check blood sugar levels.

The difference between policies and rules is that school policies need to be board approved, while rules do not have to be approved and can be implemented by the school principals, explained Mr. Bergey.

According to Social Studies Teacher Mr. Ronald Shultz his ideal phone policy is one that is up to teachers’ discretion. Teachers should have the option to decide the maturity of a class and set appropriate rules accordingly, he added.

“A blanket policy banning cellphones removes the option for teachers to be flexible and reward students with the use of their phones,” said Mr. Shultz.

“I think cell phones can be useful in classes if used properly we use them for calculators, stop watches and to take pictures for data collection,” said Science Teacher Ms. Kathleen Bower.

She added that she feels that students should be able to earn the privilege to use them at Pride as long as they are caught up with their classes as well as during lunch. Mrs. Bower said she thinks phones should always be turned off during class because they’re a distraction.

“Some students will rush through their work if they are allowed to use them at the end of class,” said Ms. Bower.

Mr. Bergey added that so far, conversations have taken place about implementing additional measures like phone cubbies. However, no decisions have been officially made.

“The only reason why (a ban) came up is because there’s quite a few neighboring districts that do that,” Mr. Bergey said. “I know there’s at least one school district that you’re not allowed to take your phone to school, period.”

“A ton, if not all, of our problems that we’re having are due to cell phone related issues,” said Mr. Bergey. “From our standpoint, in the office, dealing with discipline issues, almost every single incident has something to do with social media and posts made there.”