Expectations get reset for the 2022-2023 school year, including no phones or earbuds while in class, and no earbuds or noise canceling headphones in the hallways. These rules were put in place as a safety precaution and to increase the students’ work performance. Teachers and staff also believe these rules are supposed to increase students’ focus and make it easier for them to listen when announcements come over the intercoms or instruction is happening. 

“I think we were looking for when it would be most appropriate for kids to use their phones,” Principal Scott Moore said. “What we see and what data has shown us is that students’ needs for their phone are continuing to increase, rather it be whether you use it for school or for communication purposes. It is distracting from the education and learning going on in the classroom.” 

While sophomores and upperclassmen adjust to these new rules, the freshman class was already introduced to these in their Middle School. Freshman Claire “Cloud” Doop feels these new rules are not necessary to have in place. 

“Honestly, I don’t have much to say, we’re used to not having our phones and headphones out because of the middle school, but I do think it’s kind of stupid,” Doop said “Everyone was excited when they got to high school to have their phones out and stuff so I just feel like students are disappointed.” 

Students have struggled a bit with these new adjustments but have shown progress within keeping focus and using class time for assignments. Upperclassmen agree with teachers and staff that phones can be a problem but also feel that some students will not adjust or will refuse to adjust to these new rules. 

“For me I don’t think it’s a big deal because I agree that students shouldn’t be on their phones during class, but I don’t understand why we can’t use it in our downtime or when we’re done with work,” Junior Toria “Tai” Jones said. “I think some students will take it positively and use the time to work but I feel like others are just going to rebel against it.” 

According to Freshmen Principal Mr. Joe Bedard, consequences for violating school rules are as follows: the first office referral is a warning and call home, the second office referral is a half day of in school suspension (ISS) and a call home and the third office referral is one day of ISS and a call home. Additional office referrals will be handled on a case by case basis.