By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays High School principal told the Hays school board Monday night that a new ban on cell phone use at the school is increasing student interactions with each other and in the classroom.
Students are allowed to bring cell phones to school, but they can't have them out and use them during the school day. If they are seen using the phones, they are sent to the office.
HHS Principal Shawn Henderson said the outcomes from the cell phone ban have been positive, and the high school staff would like to continue the policy.
Henderson said students have become more compliant with the policy throughout the school year.
The students were warned about having their phones out at the beginning of the fall semester. As the semester progressed, staff began sending students to the office for having phones out.
With firmer enforcement, the number of violations has dropped from 129 in October to 25 so far this month, Henderson said.
A recent survey of 57 teachers indicated that the absence of cell phones has increased student engagement.
Hederson shared the following survey results:
• 89.5% said they agreed or strongly agreed that the absence of cell phones has increased student engagement.
• 86% said they agreed or strongly agreed that the absence of cell phones has increased class participation
• 93% said they agreed or strongly agreed that the absence of cell phones increased student-to-student interaction
• 87.7% said they agreed or strongly agreed that the absence of cell phones increased student-to-teacher interaction
Henderson offered some general comments from staff, including:
"It's refreshing to see students talking with each other."
"Students are actively participating more than before. There is less cheating and sharing of work between students."
"I love how kids talk to each other now. I do miss kids using their phones for academic reasons, though. I used them more than I thought I would."
Henderson also shared some anecdotal comments from students.
They say they understand it's good for them, but it doesn't necessarily mean they like or appreciate the policy, he said.
Many students welcomed the restriction as a means of slowing down their addiction, Henderson said.
Students take note of when teachers/staff are on their phones, he said.
Henderson said the most common excuse staff hear when students violate the policy is, “I was texting my mom or dad."
Board member Ruth Ruder said her daughter, a senior at Hays High, doesn't always appreciate the policy.
"I tell her those are the rules, and that's what we're going to do," she said.
Board member Derek Yarmer asked if any correlation had been made between the cell phone ban and an increase in academic performance.
Henderson said he did not have that data, but staff would look more closely at it after state testing this spring.
Board President Curt Vajnar asked if discipline referrals had decreased since the policy was implemented.
Henderson said he did not have that data either. However, he said the school's temperature was significantly lower.