The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

Unplugged: New School Policy Creates Promising Changes

New+phone+parking+slots+located+in+each+classroom+hold+phones+during+class+periods
Grace Halupnik
New phone parking slots located in each classroom hold phones during class periods

Students at Pleasant Valley High School returned from summer break to find new phone guidelines set in place this August.

The new district-wide policy requires all students to place their cell phones in “parking slots” during each period unless teachers specify phones are permissible for academic purposes. 

Darren Erickson, the high school’s new principal, explained this new policy has already developed promising results. “It is early in the school year, but we have had very, very little cell phone violations and negativity on social media,” he said. Erickson said he has also seen more responsible cell phone usage among students. 

English teacher Ann Berger independently implemented this policy in her own classroom five years ago. “Kids are paying more attention than they used to,” she stated. Berger also believes the phone-free classroom is beneficial for students’ mental health. She credits it to creating a more focused and stress-free environment. 

According to Erickson, the creation of the new phone policy has been in the works since the fall of 2018. Former principal Mike Zimmer acquired the idea from Bettendorf High School’s principal, Joy Kelly, and the idea was discussed at the MAC Principals’ Conference. 

The administration was inspired to adopt this policy after learning of the addictive quality of cell phones and their distraction even when students are not using them.

“If it’s even just in your pocket and it vibrates, it’s distracting you from your task,” Erickson said. “But we were trying to think of the best way to implement [the phone policy] that is respectful to students. We’re not saying, ‘Leave your phones in your locker or at home.’ That’s not realistic,” he added. Students are still allowed to use cell phones in the hallways, during free periods, or at lunch.  

Erickson is a strong believer in the power and benefit phones can have when used appropriately. He still supports their use for health and education within the context of school, but chooses to recognize their many pitfalls. 

Berger’s perspective somewhat differs, as she believes there is little need for cell phones within a school setting since every classroom has access to a landline. She said she has seen the counterproductive nature of cell phones in her classroom and their tendency to take away from students’ learning and independence.

“This (cell phone policy) will better prepare students for the real world. This will help kids be more independent,” Berger said. “Kids’ parents feel they need to be in constant contact, which takes away from that child’s learning.” 

View Comments (1)
Donate to Spartan Shield
$480
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa. Your contribution will allow us to purchase needed equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
About the Contributor
Grace Halupnik, Lead Editor
Grace Halupnik, a senior at Pleasant Valley High School, is highly involved in the school’s journalism program. It is her first year writing for the online newspaper, where she will serve as the multimedia manager and lead editor. This is her third year with the Spartan Shield print magazine. She has been a Copy Editor, the Student Life Editor and this year she is the Co-Editor in Chief. Grace is a member of the JV girl’s tennis team and involved with PV’s National Honor Society. Outside of school, her exceptional knowledge in mathematics has led her to be a math tutor. On many days, Grace can be found working at Atomic as a barista. Her post-high school plans include majoring in physics with a concentration in biophysics and a minor in philosophy at an undecided university.  
Donate to Spartan Shield
$480
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (1)

All Spartan Shield Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • J

    Julia NeckerOct 11, 2019 at 7:15 am

    Although students aren’t happy about it, I agree it will help students be less dependent on their phones and allow us to learn with out distractions.

    Reply
Activate Search
Unplugged: New School Policy Creates Promising Changes