Greendale principals report modest gains in school climate; stricter cell‑phone enforcement credited

Greendale High School and Greendale Middle School principals reported modest improvements in school climate in presentations to the Greendale School District, citing higher survey scores for overall positivity, clearer cell‑phone rules and expanded supports to boost student belonging.

The high school principal said the school’s overall positive‑mood score rose from 57% last year to 63.4% this year and described three principal focuses for the year: rules, behavior and expectations tied to attendance, vaping reduction and a ban on cell phones during class time. “The students have responded really well,” the high school principal said, summarizing teacher and student reaction to the new expectations.

Why it matters: district leaders said the measures are intended to reduce classroom distractions and improve instructional time. Survey shifts and program changes at both buildings were presented as part of ongoing efforts to raise student…