By Devon Lindsey
Staff Writer

In previous years, the cell phone policy allowed students to retrieve their confiscated phones at the end of the day. Now however, parents must pick up the student’s phone from the office for them. The policy was decided on by the school’s handbook committee, which consisted of five or six students and a teacher from each department; and has had some mixed reactions.

The idea, according to Assistant Principal Mr. Goldberg, was to reduce student cell phone use by creating a more substantial penalty than just adding on detentions after the first offense.

“We know that it’s an important means of communication between parents and students.” said Goldberg.

Many students rely on their cell phones to contact parents during after school programs, so in theory students would be less likely to risk losing the fast communication with parents and having to use the phone at the office. Last year, because students could easily get their phone back, they didn’t always take it too seriously.

Meghan Oelerich, a ninth and tenth grade English teacher, would have to confiscate the same students’ phones because they wouldn’t care, and in regards to the new policy she said “I think it makes sense, I think it’s a good deterrent.”

So far, the policy seems to be working. While Goldberg understands some students are still using their phones in school, he’s noticed the policy has made a difference.

“This has definitely decreased the number of phone confiscations we’ve had this year.” said Goldberg.

He’s not the only one to notice a difference. Melanie Jozokos, one of the health teachers here at WA has as well.

“Well, I think the cell phone issue is definitely not as much of an issue this year as it has been in the past. I think kids are afraid of having their phones taken away or losing their phones and having their parents have to come get them. Therefore we do not see as much use,” said Jozokos.

Some haven’t noticed a significant change in phone use however. Ariana Viscione, a junior said that she hasn’t noticed a difference, and that the decrease in phone confiscations could be because teachers may not always spot students using their phones.

“I see them a little bit less, but hardly.” said sophomore Kendall McElroy.

Others found that the policy could be helpful, but punishes more than just the students. Josh Huston a sophomore and Randy Harris a senior, along with some other students find that the policy punishes parents as well.

“I think it’s kind of ridiculous that they have to come all the way over here.” said sophomore Jenna Beauregard.

McElroy said that while it’s a good preventative measure, it can be a hassle for parents if it came down to the situation, not too big of a deal, but somewhat excessive.

According to Goldberg however, parents have been cooperative, some have even come to pick up the students phone at the end of the day.

The need for parents and students to keep in contact, could also be part of the reason some students are breaking the rule. Within the past three to four years, Mr. Quattrocchi, a math teacher, has noticed that parents, instead of calling the office, will text students. During an after school math session he did a quick informal poll and about 90 to 95% of the thirty students said their parents texted them during the school day. Depending on the text, some parents expect students to respond during the school day.

Usually it’s to determine whether or not the student has a house key, is staying after, etc. They’re things parents need to know so a text seems to be more advantageous.

“Text is quicker.” said Viscione.

“However, parents should know that their child is not allowed to use their cell phone in school and in my opinion they shouldn’t put their child at risk for getting in trouble or having their phone taken away. They could call the main office to get them a message.” said Jozokos.

Though even with that factor Quattrocchi said, “I think the students in the school, being who they are, good students, have followed the rule even though they may or may not agree with it.”

Other students manage to follow the rule even with afterschool programs.

“I do think it can be followed just because it’s not that tough and teachers could always take phones for not paying attention anyhow, so unless someone’s being blatantly disrespectful then it’s not really a big deal.” said Sutton Murray, a junior.

Some students just find the change to be too harsh, such as junior Katie Larson who said “It’s fair. I don’t really care, but I think that having a parent pick up your phone up when you get it taken away is bull.”

“It’s not necessary, but definitely useful.” said Huston.

Some teachers have conflicted views on the cell phone policy as well.

“It puts a teacher in a difficult position.” said English and Journalism teacher Mrs. Fonden. She understands the reasons for the policy, but as a teacher, if she forgets to shut it off, she feels as if it would be hypocritical to confiscate a student’s phone if hers goes off.

For other teachers, the problem is more because students break the rule.

“As a teacher, I start looking for certain behaviors […], but when I’m doing that, I’m less focused on actual teaching.” said Ms. Keirstead, a ninth and tenth grade English teacher.

Students’ texting during the school day can cause various issues.

“You don’t know who they’re texting.” said Goldberg.

In the past, students have used their cell phones to cheat on tests, but they could also create a student safety issue as well. With students being capable of accessing the internet on their phones, pictures used to harass another student could be easily uploaded to the web. In addition to that, if enough students are using the internet on their phones, it can cause issues with the server according to Goldberg.