NV board reviews student cell phone policy

School administrators discussed the latest on Nodaway Valley’s cell phone policy at a school board meeting Wednesday, Aug. 14 in Greenfield.

Board President Kristen Jensen raised the question after seeing the topic in the news referencing other districts, which to some degree, are restricting students from using their cell phones during the school day. Des Moines Hoover, Ankeny, Ames and Iowa City are among a list of schools or districts looking at banning student cell phone use altogether.

“Are we going to tighten down more? I know we have policies in our handbook,” Jensen asked.

High School Principal Gerry Miller said that new language in the high school student handbook will mean that building’s policy is more strict than in the past, but not as restrictive as some districts are doing.

The new policy, stated in the student handbook available on the school’s website for the 2024-25 school year, states students may bring phones to school, but all sounds must be shut off. They aren’t to be out or be used for taking photos in private areas like lockerrooms or restrooms. Students won’t be allowed to leave a class that is in session with their phone. Parents are encouraged to use the school office phone to contact their child. Students will be able to make emergency calls on their phone in the high school office.

“I don’t necessarily see us going to never having it. All four of you are high school parents. Do you think your student is going to respond well if they can’t have it at all from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m?,” Miller asked. Molly Herrick was absent. “At some point, we have to be able to say that this is the time to focus.”

One measure being implemented is that students at the high school will not be allowed to leave the classroom during class with their phone.

“It’s just like your job: When you’re at lunch or you’re on break [you have more freedom] with your phone,” Susan Stevens said.

Miller explained that teachers have identified cell phone use as a barrier to productive learning time. These new rules that are in place are in response to these comments.

“We wrote this policy with universal support from our staff,” Miller said.

Miller eluded in the discussion that use of smart watches and other devices is much more complicated for the school to monitor. He said it ultimately comes down to teaching responsibility and accountability.

“The biggest thing is to keep them out of the classroom to the best of our ability, but I don’t think saying that you have to lock it in your locker is the answer right now. I’d be curious to know how Des Moines Hoover is going to implement it. I’ve heard Ankeny is going to implement it,” Miller said. “I’d like to see someone else show me how to keep it completely out of school and deal with it in that capacity.”

Miller said parents tell him frequently that they’re monitoring their kids on Life 360, which is a popular family location safety smart phone app. He stated you have to have a smart phone for the app to operate.

“I don’t know that telling them [phones] can’t come in the building is an answer,” Miller said. “With after school activities and before school activities, it’s still a communication piece.”