APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — The Apache Junction Unified School District is expected to implement a new policy that prohibits students from using cell phones in the classroom.
In a 4-1 vote Tuesday night, the district's Governing Board approved a policy banning students from using any wireless communication devices during the school day. The policy instructs students to turn off their phones and keep them out of sight during school hours.
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If a student needs to make a call, they can use the phone in the school's main office or a classroom phone, the policy states.
"If we're serious about students achieving in the classroom, we need to limit the distraction and cell phones are a distraction," Superintendent Robert Pappalardo told the school board.
Students who violate the policy could potentially be placed in detention, have their phone taken away, or be required to drop off their phone at the front office each morning.
School board members said the policy will help support teachers in managing their classrooms, while still maintaining access to phones during emergency situations.
Parents and students will be expected to sign an agreement with the district, which would allow the student to still carry around a turned-off phone on campus.
UP TO SPEED
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