McDowell principals say stricter phone rule increased focus; committee moves new courses, summer AP training and Project Search calendar to full board

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…