SHELDON, Iowa (KTIV) – Cell phones often distract us from work, our families, and the world around us. But that distraction can be especially problematic in the classroom.
That’s why Sheldon High School rolled out a new policy that will make the school a cell phone-free space.
The new policy recently went into effect and allows students to keep their phones in their possession, without them becoming a distraction in the classroom.
When students enter the building, their phones must be placed into their assigned Yondr pouch. The pouch utilizes a magnetic lock system that once closed, can’t be opened without an unlocking base.
That’s why Sheldon High School rolled out a new policy that will make the school a cell phone free space.(KTIV)
“Some schools just have their students leave them in lockers, our students share lockers. And some of them share with friends, but some of them share with students they might not know as well, so the locker piece just didn’t work for us,” said Nick Miller, Principal of Sheldon High School. “Our students are mobile, in and out through the building a lot, so it allows them to just keep their phones with them. It’s that one step of locking and unlocking as they come and leave the building.”
The Sheldon School District started talking about this step last spring and felt that now was the time to act. Their goal is to increase focus in the classroom and encourage students to form deeper connections with their peers.
“I think it will take my phone distraction away and it will make me stay more focused on my schoolwork during my less busy times in school,” explains Carly Westra, a Sheldon High School student.
Administrators understand that the new policy will be an adjustment for students, but they are proud of the cooperation shown through the transition.
“I was a little bummed, but it is going to help everyone learn better in school and to not be distracted during classes or while doing your homework during your free time,” said Sheldon High School student Jadey Ramirez.
“Cell phones in general are not bad. With each update, and each next step they just have taken up more and more space in our lives and space in our attention,” said Miller. “So, what we hope to do is just reclaim some of that space for those in-person interactions, for engagement on what’s happening in the classroom, and for the relationships that we have the opportunity to build here.”
Sheldon High School worked with several surrounding school districts as they rolled out the new policy. Sheldon administrators hope their example is one that other schools can follow.
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