Montgomery County Public Schools staff on Feb. 20 presented preliminary results from an "Away All Day" pilot, saying clearer restrictions on personal mobile devices have reduced classroom distractions but require consistent enforcement, teacher support and family outreach to succeed.

In a presentation to the Montgomery County Board of Education, district leaders said early returns show improved classroom focus, greater student engagement and fewer hallway disruptions in schools that tightened phone rules. "Restrictions are great, but schools need support in how to implement them," said Stephanie Sharon, chief of strategic initiatives. The district will publish a final evaluation in early March and proposed regulation updates in May.

The pilot involved multiple secondary schools that tested different tactics: classroom caddies, teacher-managed storage, and locking pouches at Rockville High School. Kara Trenkamp, director of digital innovation, said schools chose their own implementation plans within district parameters and reported the greatest gains when staff and students agreed on clear expectations.

Rockville High School Principal Roshanda Pyles outlined a "bell to bell" expectation in which cell phones and other personal mobile devices are kept out of sight from the tardy bell until dismissal, with a graduated discipline plan that can include a locked pouch for repeat violations. "We've seen improved learning in the environment, fewer interruptions and positive feedback from many parents and students," Pyles said.

Pyle Middle School Principal Chris Nardi recounted similar results at the middle‑school level, where staff buy‑in and consistent enforcement reduced confiscations and restored instructional time. "We returned from medical leave in January and I was amazed at how few phones we had," Nardi said, noting most sixth graders complied easily after moving up from elementary schools that already restrict phones.

The district's preliminary survey data shows staff awareness of district device rules is generally higher than family awareness, and that perceptions of whether current rules are "just right" vary by level. Staff in participating schools were likelier to say the tightened rules were appropriate; some middle‑school students reported feeling more isolated at lunch, and a portion of students said the absence of phones increased stress. The district flagged those concerns for further study and recommended expanded supports — for example, supervised lunchtime activities and counseling — to reduce student isolation.

District leaders and the two participating principals underscored that a one‑size‑fits‑all mandate would not be sufficient without operational supports. The district has not proposed central procurement of pouches; several schools purchased inexpensive classroom caddies for staff use with local instructional funds. A broader policy update and implementation guidance will accompany the March evaluation.

Board members asked for clearer breakdowns of the survey samples (by grade level, school and demographics) and requested the final report include those details. Superintendent Monifa B. Taylor and staff said the forthcoming brief will supply the requested disaggregation and that any recommended regulatory changes would return to the board for review.

The district emphasized that exceptions remain for documented medical needs and other narrowly defined circumstances, and that schools keep phones available for emergency contact during field trips or other out‑of‑school activities.

The board did not take formal action on the pilot at the meeting; staff requested time to release the final evaluation and refine regulation language before any board vote.