Fridley schools report success of new cell phone policy across all grade levels

The Fridley Public Schools Board Meeting on May 21, 2025, focused on updates regarding the district's cell phone policy and its impact across various schools. The meeting highlighted positive outcomes from the "Away for the Day" initiative, which restricts cell phone use during school hours.

Veronica Matheson, representing Stevenson and Hayes schools, reported a significant reduction in cell phone-related incidents, with 94% of staff indicating that issues were rare. The policy, which requires students to leave phones at home or in lockers, has been effective, leading to minimal disruptions in classrooms. Feedback from parents has also been largely positive, with many appreciating the absence of phones in school.

At Fridley Middle School, Assistant Principal Matt shared similar results, noting that 12.4% of students had violations of the policy, primarily among eighth graders who were previously allowed to use phones. The school has implemented a structured response system for violations, which includes meetings with parents to create individualized plans for students struggling with compliance.

Fridley High School's approach differed slightly, allowing students to keep phones during non-class times. Assistant Principal Lami Zarli emphasized the importance of teaching students to manage their phone use responsibly. The school has seen a decrease in incidents as students adapt to the policy, with teachers reporting improved classroom engagement and communication among students.

The board members expressed their support for the ongoing efforts to manage cell phone use in schools, recognizing the challenges and successes experienced throughout the year. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the policy and exploring new strategies, such as potential partnerships with companies that provide secure phone storage solutions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's dedication to fostering a focused learning environment while addressing the complexities of technology use among students.