(WJAR) — Wednesday is the first day phones at Fall River schools will be locked up and put away for middle and high school students.
ORIGINAL NOTE: https://turnto10.com/news/local/cell-phone-ban-begins-at-fall-river-schools
Some critics don’t like the new policy.
The idea is to create fewer distractions in the classroom.
Students will no longer be able to text and make calls during the school day.
“I think they understand that it’s going to be a benefit. We knew that from the survey information to begin with, that most kids said ‘Yeah, I think the phone is a detriment to my learning’,” Superintendent Tracy Curley said.
Students at Durfee High School use Yondr pouches. (WJAR)
Students in grades 6 through 12 in Fall Riverwill take their pouch to and from school each day and lock up their phone using this technology each morning.
Teachers kept a close eye on kids going to class.
NBC 10 was a Durfee High School this morning as students entered the building.
“We have got a system to be able to monitor that kids are putting all of their devices in the pouch, and we also have a discipline matrix we have established,” Aimee Bronhard, assistant superintendent said.
Which could include a meeting with parents if students break the rules.
Some said they agree, phones impact learning.
“I am really hopeful it starts to show that it takes an effect on their grades and everything else too, especially with social media,” Valerie Borges, a Durfee parent said.
The school committee passed the policy – it took longer than expected to implement and has also gotten some push back.
Concerns grew over school shootings across the country.
Durfee High School students put their devices in the pouch. (WJAR)
“I just prefer they have them [phones],” Robin Nunes, a grandparent said. “If there is an emergency or she is sick or something she can get a hold of me. ”
NBC 10 asked school leaders about their message to parents who are concerned about safety.
“When we think about those Tier 3 situations, we have discussed this at length and truthfully we believe cell phones would impede our ability to safely respond in situation as such. We need our kids to be able to respond to our teachers who go through training procedures and protocols,” Bronhard said.
She added the school has made improvements to communications sent to parents in a case of an emergency at school.
Students will unlock their phones on their way home much like on their way in. A station will be available until 7 p.m. in case anyone forgets.
“We want to make sure at the end of the day the When they should have access to their phones, their personal belongings. It’s a quick and easy transition,” Curley said.
School leaders said a plan is also in place for bad weather, so students don’t have to line up in the cold.
The district is also working with families to provide medical exemptions to the phone policy where needed.