Rock Bridge High School lays out its cell phone policy for the upcoming school year
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Rock Bridge High School in Columbia is preparing to start the 24-25 school year by sending out its cell phone policy, following the districtwide implementation of a new policy.
According to the Columbia Public School's handbook, cell phones are prohibited in the classroom learning environment in all high schools.
"If inappropriate use occurs the electronic device or cell phone may be required to be relinquished, and consequences will be assigned as according to individual school policy," the handbook states.
In an email to Rock Bridge families on Aug. 9, Rock Bridge Principal, Jacob Sirna, announced Rock Bridge High School's new cell phone policy.
According to the email, the goal of the policy is to remove and avoid any unnecessary distractions to Rock Bridge High School's learning environment.
Tanika Nevills, a parent at Rock Bridge, shared her thoughts on the matter.
"We, as parents, spend a lot of time on our phones too, so we’ve set the standard," Nevills said. "But this is an opportunity to change that and make our children more present."
The policy prohibits cell phone usage during class and implements a new cell phone infraction referral system.
Students can still use their cell phones between classes, during lunch, and during their free period.
If done with work early, the school recommends students read a book or review the material for other subjects.
Columbia Public Schools struggled with below-average scores in English Language Arts and Mathematics last year, according to its Annual Performance Report. Some parents believe that by eliminating cell phones, students will be able to focus more on their education.
"I think this will help our children concentrate more on their studies, use their resources for learning, and take advantage of tutoring. It will give them more time to expand their education," Nevills said.
In 2023, Columbia Public Schools narrowly avoided provisional accreditation, scoring 70.1% on its Annual Performance Report. Any score below 70% would have resulted in provisional accreditation.
Cell phone infractions are handled on a five-stage referral basis.
If a student is caught using their cell phone, they will receive a warning and get a call home. If the student continues to use their cell phone, they will be sent to the office and warned that they will have their phone taken away.
If the student continues to break the rule, the referral system increases in stages. With the cell phone being taken for an entire day, having the student's guardian pick up the phone when confiscated and having the student turn in their phone at the start of the school day for multiple days.
Smart Watches are allowed but only to tell the time, if a student is seen using the watch as a cell phone, it is considered an infraction.
Some students support the new rule.
"I think it’s a good idea because it will keep everyone off their phones and focused on their classwork," Junior at Rock Bridge High School Rebecca Stamose said.
Kate Kines, a freshman agreed.
"It will help create a better learning experience for everyone without the distraction of phones," Kines said.
If a parent or guardian needs to contact their child, the school says people can leave a message that students can check after class. In case of an emergency, guardians can call the main office and have the student pulled from class.
According to the email, Rock Bridge High School wants to ensure that all students and parents have information on the new policy before the start of the new school year so they can adjust and prepare for the change.
"We recommend that families take time between now and the start of school to practice what it will look and feel like to go 90 minutes without access to a cell phone," the email states.
The first day of school for Columbia Public Schools is Aug. 20.
