There is a new state phone policy this year. Bill WVDE policy 4373 states that during instructional time students may not be on their cell phones or cellular devices. Further, all teachers must provide a place where cell phones are stored, such as a cubby or other area not within the students reach during class time.
The consequences if students are caught or fail to put their phones up in the provided area are very strict.
- First offense: the device is confiscated and returned only to the parent/guardian, and the student is assigned one day of in-school suspension
- Second offense: the device is confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian, and the student is assigned two days of in-school suspension
- Third offense: the device is confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian, and the student is suspended from school for three days
Freshman Kinsley Cole was asked how she felt about the new policy.
“I am not against it,” Cole said, “but I am also not for it.” Cole wished there were a verbal warning first, because earlier in the school year she was caught texting on her Apple watch and had to report to in-school suspension. She said the experience taught her a lesson.
Cole was also asked if all of her teachers provided a place to put her cell phone away. “Yes,” she said, “every teacher has a place for me to put my phone up.”
Contemporary Studies and Personal Finance teacher Kendra Oliver said she likes the new policy. Oliver thinks her students are completing more assignments without the distraction of phones.
