by Kate Shunney
Berkeley Springs High School classrooms will be phone-free zones this coming academic year, according to a new policy adopted by school officials.
School across the county starts on Tuesday, August 19.
Announced on Wednesday, August 6, the policy at the county’s largest high school will keep students from having access to mobile phones, devices and smart watches, wireless earbuds and other digital devices during class time.
Students will have to turn off and put away their phones except before the start of classes in the morning, at lunchtime, and after the dismissal bell.
In a graphic announcement sent out to Berkeley Springs High School student families, the policy is called “Off & Out of Sight.”
“To create a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment, Berkeley Springs High School is now cell phone free during the instructional school day,” the notice reads.
“Here is what you need to know:
Cell phones and personal electronic devices must be powered off and out of sight after breakfast dismissal until afternoon bus dismissal.
No use of smartwatches, wireless earbuds, wearable technology, or accessories during school hours.
For emergencies, contact the main office and we will contact your student.
Students will have access to their cell phones during lunch time.
Exceptions will be allowed for medical or educational needs with written approval.”
West Virginia House Bill 2003 gave schools and school districts the authority to ban cell phones in classrooms “to remove distractions from the classroom and encourage collaboration, focus, and meaningful interactions.”
Students who don’t comply with the new policy could have to hand their phones over to school officials for the day, or parents may be called to come pick up the phone. Students could also have to leave their phone at the office each morning for a week if they are caught violating the new rule. After-school detention is another possible consequence.
School officials did not respond to a request for comment about the change by press time.
