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MCPS presents 'Away All Day' pilot findings; principals urge consistent implementation and community outreach
Summary
Montgomery County Public Schools presented preliminary findings from an "Away All Day" cell‑phone pilot Feb. 20, 2025, saying restrictions improved classroom focus but implementation and community buy‑in will determine success. District staff will release a full evaluation in March and propose regulation updates in May.
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,…
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