Carlisle High proposes stricter cell-phone rules: storage lockers, class-by-class expectations and progressive discipline

Carlisle High School administrators outlined a new, more restrictive approach to student personal electronic devices that would require students to store cell phones in classroom storage lockers when class begins, limit headphone use to teacher-authorized activities, and apply progressive discipline for repeated noncompliance.

Dr. Patty Buffington, speaking for high school administration, framed the change as an academic-focused policy designed “to create an environment more conducive to academics and learning.” She told the board the plan separates academic settings (classrooms, labs, gym during PE, library) from nonacademic ones (hallways, cafeteria, buses, before/after school) and asks students to place phones in a classroom locker after the bell. “Students will be responsible for placing their cell phones in a classroom storage locker after the bell rings to begin class,” she said.

The proposed rules permit smartwatches worn for health tracking and allow headphones to remain in backpacks unless a teacher authorizes use. The administration said study hall is being treated as an academic setting for these purposes. For parent and emergency concerns, administrators explained locked phone-storage systems (sometimes called “yonder bags” in other districts) can be transported in emergency evacuations so students can access phones at reunification points; staff emphasized that normal fire‑drill procedures do not include retrieving phones.

Confiscation and retrieval: the policy draft would keep confiscated devices in administrative custody until the school communicates with a parent or guardian; administration said two‑way parent communication should be required before returning a confiscated device. Building administrators cited progressive discipline steps from warnings and parent conversations to loss of privileges for repeated violations.

Staff said they surveyed faculty and piloted classroom-level approaches this year. A teacher pilot shared with administrators included student feedback: “This is working. I am less distracted,” the administrator read aloud, citing early classroom-level pilots that limited phone access.

Board members pressed for implementation details. President Bessard and other board members asked that FAQ materials clearly explain emergency protocols and how parents can reach students during reunification or urgent situations. Several trustees recommended that the policy text presented to the board explicitly reference that administrators will limit phone access during instructional time rather than leaving the restriction solely to administrative regulations.

Administrators said they expect to publish FAQs for families and staff, finalize administrative regulations for building-level procedures and present the policy for a board-level vote at the next regular meeting. If approved, CHS staff plan to review the rules with students on the first day of school and include language in the student/parent handbook.

Administrators said the change is intended to mirror workplace and college expectations about focused work and to reduce daily classroom distractions that research links to reduced class time on task and slower re‑engagement after notifications.

No final policy vote occurred at this committee meeting; administrators will return with a revised policy draft and supporting materials.