With a goal of creating a welcoming, safe, and focused learning environment for students, and the best possible conditions for staff to support students, cell phone restrictions were put in place in 2022. Results were fairly positive. However, the enforcement of those restrictions resulted in a loss of valuable instruction time as issues were addressed.
This year, a next-step approach is being piloted at both Colonel Richardson and Lockerman Middle Schools. During the school day, students will secure their phones in locked pouches. The pouch remains with the student and is unlocked at the end of the school day.
At the June Board of Education meeting, Dr. Simmons discussed the proposed program with board members. He shared that in talking with other school systems with the program, they had seen a dramatic increase in socialization, healthy habits, and academic achievement.
“We need to do something to help our kids,” Dr. Simmons said. “We tried other options during the school year but they only went so far. Is this a universal fix? No. But will it help? Yes.”
Complete information about the program, including Frequently Asked Questions, are available on the Cell Phone Pouches page of the CCPS website.