McDowell High School principals Scott Quibby and Sandy Means told the Millcreek Township School District Instruction and Student Services Committee on Jan. 13 that a stricter cell‑phone policy — requiring phones to remain off and stored in lockers from the start to the end of the instructional day — has correlated with improved classroom behavior and teacher ability to teach.

The principals said a recent staff survey returned 114 responses and showed overwhelmingly positive ratings for consistent enforcement and the policy’s effect on student engagement and instructional time. They reported a steep month‑by‑month drop in infractions after implementation and described fewer social‑media‑driven incidents referred to counselors. The committee also heard that teachers and students have reported louder, more collaborative classrooms and less hallway “head‑down” behavior.

The cell‑phone update was presented alongside a package of instructional items the principals asked the committee to forward to the full board for approval later this month. The package (agenda items 3.01–3.13) includes minor course‑title edits; five new course recommendations (including a new Mental Fitness course, SAT prep, Foundational Study Skills, and two introductory art classes); AP Summer Institute training requests for AP Human Geography and AP Research; and routine program agreements such as the AFJROTC memorandum, a Point Park University student‑placement affiliation, and a one‑year interpreting services contract with USCRI. The committee voted to move items 3.01–3.13 to the school board meeting at the end of the month.

Why it matters: administrators said the policy is intended to increase instructional time, social engagement and student well‑being. The high school presentation tied the cell‑phone policy to other initiatives intended to boost college and career readiness, including expanded AP offerings, dual‑enrollment pathways, and career supports such as Project SEARCH.

Additional instructional proposals and planning

- New courses and AP training: The district asked permission to send teachers to AP Summer Institutes to prepare new or returning AP sections (Human Geography and Research). The administration requested authorization now because institute dates were not yet posted and could fall before the next board meeting.

- Project SEARCH calendar: The district presented the Project SEARCH 25‑26 calendar for students with disabilities (a partnership with UPMC). The proposed calendar includes 180 days and 1,080 hours of program time; the committee moved the item to the board.

- Dual enrollment and postsecondary pathways: The committee heard separate remarks (from district staff) about expanding dual enrollment and shifting some students away from the Regional Choice Initiative (RCI) satellite program toward on‑campus dual‑enrollment experiences. Administrators said two local universities (Mercyhurst and Gannon) currently offer dual‑enrollment courses at cost similar to RCI ($300 per course); PennWest recently announced lower‑cost online offerings. To protect access, staff proposed running the existing bus used for RCI to Gannon University so students can continue to be transported at no higher cost.

Context and next steps

Committee discussion emphasized that the cell‑phone policy remains a work in progress and that some students continue to resist separation from personal devices. Administrators said repeat infractions account for a large share of discipline incidents and that monthly data show a downward trend. Several board members praised the district for piloting the policy and sharing its results with neighboring districts.

The committee approved forwarding the instructional package (items 3.01–3.13) to the full school board meeting at the end of January for final action. If the board approves those items, the new courses, training enrollments, and agreements will be scheduled into the district’s curriculum and travel approvals for 2025–26 as appropriate.