“What/Who started this policy?”
We interviewed Ms. Kirk about the away for the day policy. She told us that it all started from a high school named Herndon High school. After the pandemic, the first year back, the high schoolers were allowed their phones with teachers permission. They soon realized the drastic effects the phones had on their students. “Herndon was like, ‘we’ve had enough.’ So they implemented their own policy about the phones.” Said Ms. Kirk. Herndon brought this policy to the school board and the superintendent, Dr. Reid and other school board members supported it. That’s how it got to LJMS.
“Why do most students resent this policy?”
The reason why most students resent this policy is because of times they aren’t allowed to use their phones. Everybody knows you get in trouble for using your phone in class in general, regardless of a policy. That’s not why. It’s because students aren’t allowed to use it during breaks. As said earlier, it makes sense to not be able to use it during class. It’s seen as disrespectful to the teacher. Students think not allowing phones during lunch breaks and recess is unnecessary.
“What’s the point of this policy?”
As much as we resent this policy there’s a reason for it. Phones can be such a big distraction even if we love, love, love, our phones. Many students know how to keep their phone in backpacks, etc, without being distracted to use it during class. Yet there are many students who struggle to keep their phone put away. People may sneak it but now teachers have certain limits when it comes to catching a student.
Fun Fact: Many teachers tell students they aren’t allowed to have their phones in their pockets but that’s not true. As long as it isn’t pulled out during the school day its allowed to be in your pocket.
RELATED STORIES:
https://www.awayfortheday.org/
https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/tcaps-enacts-away-for-the-day-student-cell-phone-policy
Parent committee urges APS to require student cell phones to be off and away for the day
