Cell‑phone pilot at Appoquinimink High draws positive staff feedback; district committee to make May recommendation

Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Burrows told the Appoquinimink School Board that a cell‑phone pilot at Appoquinimink High School showed positive results for classroom focus and reductions in referrals. Burrows said staff reported more attention paid in class and fewer bathroom‑pass requests; a student survey showed student perceptions of phones as distractions persisted but that locking and unlocking devices each class period was viewed by students as a hassle.

Burrows said the district's cell‑phone committee will meet on May 6 and plans to present a recommendation to the board at the May meeting. He described one staff suggestion that repeat offenders be given lockable pouches, rather than requiring pouches for all students.

Why it matters

The pilot is one of several district efforts to address classroom distraction and instructional time; board members at the meeting said the pilot aligns with practices other districts are exploring and praised the plan to bring a committee recommendation to the board for a decision.

Ending

The board directed staff to return with the committee’s formal recommendation on May 13.