Manassas Park High School is set to implement a cell phone-free education policy for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, following a comprehensive update presented at the recent Manassas Park School Board meeting. This initiative aligns with Virginia's state mandate aimed at addressing student mental health concerns linked to cell phone usage in schools.

During the meeting, Dr. Marbury and Mr. Forrest outlined the steps taken to comply with the governor's executive order, which emphasizes creating safe learning environments. The school division has engaged in statewide discussions, developed regulations for personal electronic devices, and researched secure storage options for cell phones.

The new policy will require students to keep their devices off and stored away from the start to the end of the school day, mirroring existing regulations in elementary and middle schools. This change aims to foster better student engagement and mental well-being by reducing distractions associated with cell phone use.

A key component of the policy is the introduction of Yondr pouches, which will securely store students' phones throughout the school day. Students will place their devices in these magnetic locking pouches upon entering the school and will only be able to access them at the end of the day. This approach has been successfully implemented in various schools worldwide, with reports indicating improvements in classroom focus and student behavior.

The school board also discussed additional regulations to ensure privacy and respect regarding device usage during after-school activities. Emergency protocols will be established to allow students to use their phones in critical situations without fear of disciplinary action.

As the school prepares for this significant shift, a committee of teachers and staff is working on logistics, including handling lost or damaged pouches and ensuring communication channels remain open for parents needing to reach their children during school hours.

This proactive step by Manassas Park High School reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance technology use with mental health and educational priorities, setting a precedent for other schools in the region.