The 2024-2025 education year is just over a week old, and Watershed Voice is examining the newest rules for a familiar situation. We’re taking a closer look at Three Rivers Community Schools’ policy on students’ cell phones. For this article, we’re looking at Three Rivers High School.

What’s new?

When students are in classrooms during instructional hours, their cell phones need to be out of sight and off. Students may still have their phones with them in the classroom.

What did the policy previously look like?

Classroom cell phone use by students was previously at teachers’ discretion.

What prompted the change?

Three Rivers High School now provides students with their own Chromebooks, Principal Carrie Balk said. Because of this, the need for students to use their cell phones for academic reasons is reduced. Teachers responded by phasing out their allowance of phone use in the classroom.

When can students use their cell phones?

Cell phone use is permitted before school, between classes, during lunch periods and after school, including during after school activities.

Was an outright ban on student cell phone use considered?

“We did not want to do that. I did not want to do that,” Balk said. “I think there’s a balance that we can strike. These are teenagers, young adults, who we are trying to prepare for life after high school. We adults all have cell phones, but we’ve learned when it is appropriate and inappropriate to use them. My thought is that it is no different at a high school.”

How have students responded?

Recent class meetings included Balk asking if the out of sight and off in classrooms rule is reasonable. Students say it is, with some saying they consider cell phones in the classroom to be a distraction. As of Tuesday, 98% of Three Rivers High School students followed the policy during the first few days of school.

When can a cell phone be used for academic purposes?

Teachers can ask their building principals for permission to allow cell phone use during class periods. Balk expects such situations will be rare, but still possible. For example, biology students working outdoors may use their phones for taking photos and other data gathering if the teacher asks for permission.

When can a cell phone be used for non-academic purposes?

Students may have their phones on with approval from their principal. This would be acceptable in medical-related circumstances, such as a diabetic student having an insulin pump phone app. “When there’s a medical reason, we’re going to work with the students and the families to make sure their needs are being met,” Balk said.

What is the best way for parents and guardians to contact their students during the school day?

Parents and guardians are asked to contact school offices.

Where can I read the policy in full?

Trschools.org has the Three Rivers Community Schools’ handbook for district students and parents. The personal communication devices policy begins on page 25.

Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.