In a recent school board meeting, officials discussed the implementation of a \"bell to bell\" policy regarding cell phone usage in schools, set to take effect on January 1. The policy aims to restrict students from having their phones on their person during school hours, although they can keep them in their backpacks. The board expressed confidence in the readiness to enact this policy, with positive compliance reported at the middle school level.

Discussions revealed variability in how high schools manage phone storage, with some teachers requiring students to use pouches for their phones, while others allow them to remain in backpacks. The board noted that compliance has generally been good, but there is no uniform approach across schools. A total of 218 cell phone infractions have been recorded since the policy's pilot phase began, with 23 students receiving multiple referrals.

Board members raised concerns about the potential impact of the policy on student behavior, particularly regarding bullying and discipline. However, officials indicated that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about the policy's effects on these issues, as no formal audits have been conducted yet. Anecdotal evidence suggests that students are experiencing fewer distractions and are engaging more with their peers.

The meeting also touched on the upcoming school calendar for the 2025-26 academic year. The board reviewed three proposed calendar options, all of which include two weeks for winter break and a full week for spring break, reflecting community feedback. The options differ mainly in the scheduling of teacher workdays and the start date for students, with a Tuesday start being a point of discussion.

Feedback from a recent survey indicated strong community engagement, with over 13,000 respondents. Parents favored a Monday start, while teachers showed a slight preference for a Tuesday start. The board plans to vote on the calendar at the next meeting, with the goal of accommodating various community needs while adhering to state regulations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to enhancing student engagement and managing cell phone usage effectively, while also considering the logistical challenges of implementing new policies mid-year.