Initiated at the beginning of the school year, the new cell phone policy leaves annoyed students and contented staff in its wake.
The new policy not only prohibits cell phone use in class but during passing period too. With this new policy in effect, the only times a student can access his/her cell phone is before school, after school, and during lunch. If they don’t follow this rule a teacher or other staff member of Cienega can take the phone away. Students can only get it back if a parent goes to the office to get it.
“It’s not fair, some kids can have an emergency,” said junior, Mariangela Reynoso. She and many other students disapprove of the policy. The staff, though, is confident in their program.
“It’s not about making it horrible. We’re just trying to keep away distractions from the learning environment,” said Ms. Vroegh. She and all the staff don’t mind cell phone use in class but because of a number of problems that occurred last year, actions must be taken to prevent future problems.
“There was a lot of trouble last year,” said Mr. Tonk. “We feel it contributed to the tardy problem, people were setting up drug deals through texting, porn was exchanged, and there were a number of inappropriate locker room photos taken. Further, it disrupted the class frequently.”
The staff feels that this new policy will reduce these problems, creating a better learning environment for all.
“The policy doesn’t do anything,” said John Thomas, Junior.
A big time cell phone user, Thomas, maintains the belief that the policy impedes emergency calls. Despite these doubts and dissenters the faculty shows confidence in their decision.
“Kids have a hard time adjusting when changing a policy,” said Vroegh.
Still, she is confident that the change is for the better insisting that “consistancy is key” to making the change work. Without it the difficulties in enforcing it will be many.
“If students are worried about losing their cell phones, they’ll be less likely to do something stupid and parents will start cracking down too,” said Tonk. He went on to say that, “There’s no reason for cell phones in class. Parents should have the school number, and students using cell phones during passing period makes them late.” He even recalls a number of times he saw kids talking on cell phones outside as the bell rang.
Reynoso admits that the tardy problem could be aided by cell phones.
Thomas also sees some reasoning in it. “It’s good in class,” he said. However, both students perceive the policy to be unfair over all. The staff, on the other hand see it as a benefit more then a hinderance.
“It produces a more productive learning environment,” said Vroegh. “If teachers and Administration are consistent then the policy should help.”
It seems as long as the staff presents a united front the problems will stay under control, and that is the point of the policy.