RHINELANDER (WJFW) — A stricter cell phone policy is coming to Rhinelander High School, drawing some pushback from students.
A pair of RHS juniors went as far as to take their concerns to the school board, saying the current policy already strikes the right balance.
Next fall, Rhinelander High School students will have to keep their phones locked away the entire school day.
Juniors, Hayley Schiek and Ella Miljevich say this new policy is too restrictive.
“I was thinking like, “‘Ok I agree that we can’t have our phones during class,’” Miljevich recalls on her initial reaction to the policy. “But why can’t we have our phones during lunch or passing time? Like what is that affecting towards the rest of the school day?”
The current policy says cell phones are not allowed during class time, but students can use them between classes and during lunch.
The pair say the policy works, especially as more and more information moves online.
“Everything has been moved online where all the updates with sports are being put on an app and all the updates with classes or schedule change is all on your phones,” Schiek said.
They say another concern is preparing these students for life after high school. Miljevich says responsibility can’t be taught if students never get the opportunity to practice it.
“Once we’re in college, we’re not going to have someone looking over our shoulder saying, “‘get off your phone or do your homework.’” Miljevich said. “So, I feel like we should learn responsibility now and knowing when to be on our phones or when to be doing our work. And getting that balance before going to the workforce or college.”
Miljevich also questioned how the policy could impact communication during emergencies.
“We had a school shooter drill,” Miljebich said. “And I think it’s kind of weird that we are forced to practice that. So in those types of situations, we should be able to have our phones to text our family members or other siblings in the school.”
Schiek has noticed the enforcement of the current rules has been inconsistent from teacher to teacher.
“A kid will be on their phone and they won’t warn them or take it away, and then complain about it,” Schiek said. “So, I feel like we could come up with a reasonable policy that ties between more restrictive and the policy we have now.”
As they prepared their presentation to the school board, the pair reached out to State Representative Rob Swearingen for guidance.
“We took the initiative to email Representative Rob Swearingen,” Schiek said. “And he said that he agreed with the current policy. He thinks as long as they don’t interrupt instructional time, that phones should be allowed in school.”
Now, they’re hoping district leaders will reconsider before the next school year begins.
However, Superintendent Eric Burke previously told Newswatch 12 that the stricter policy is aimed at cutting down on distractions and keeping students focused on learning. He also said that other districts that implemented similar polices have seen students adjust quickly.
