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Students report school programs, sports and early impacts of bell‑to‑bell cellphone policy
Summary
Student representatives from elementary and high schools described new classroom supports, community partnerships and positive effects of a new bell‑to‑bell cellphone policy that district leaders say is increasing student connection. Several student councils reported fundraising and extracurricular successes.
Students and student representatives briefed the West Chester Area School District board on school programs, extracurricular activities and the district’s new bell‑to‑bell cellphone policy during the Oct. 27 meeting.
At the start of the meeting, Lila Sultano, a fifth grader at East Goshen Elementary, described school programs including a buddies program pairing two grade levels, PBIS Roadrunner tickets that students earn for safe and respectful behavior, a monthly “golden ticket,” and a book vending machine that dispenses books in exchange for tickets. Lila also described a de‑formalization process in which fourth‑ and fifth‑grade students rotate classes to see more teachers and a set of community partnerships with Wawa and Ballingham Senior Living for art projects.
High school representatives reported districtwide activity and athletics. West Chester East student representative Xtina Deterri said the bell‑to‑bell cellphone policy, enforced during school hours, has pushed students to engage more with peers and teachers and correlated with increased club signups; she noted DECA membership at West Chester East grew to 228 members and that student council efforts raised $850.66 for Unite For Her. Henderson and Ruston student representatives described successful homecoming activities and multiple athletes qualifying for district and state competitions.
Superintendent Dr. Christopher opened the meeting with a report on the district’s student engagement work, noting a series of stakeholder meetings and a planned November session to shape next steps. He also described the district’s participation in Operation Safe Stop with transportation staff and local law enforcement to reinforce school bus safety.
Quotes from student speakers are drawn directly from the meeting transcript and attributed to the listed student representatives.
