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High school highlights: student of the month named as cell‑phone ban shows drop in violations
Summary
Canton Local recognized Abigail Collins as February student of the month and heard a report from assistant principal Mr. Harms that a new high‑school cell‑phone policy coincided with a sharp drop in recorded violations over the year.
The Canton Local Board of Education recognized Abigail Collins as the district’s February Wildcat Student of the Month and heard a presentation on a newly implemented high‑school cell‑phone policy.
Abigail Collins, daughter of Lauren Sif and Noah Collins and a secretary of the National Honor Society, was introduced by the board president and acknowledged for school and community activities including tutoring, holiday food distribution and winter clothing drives. The board noted she plans to study nursing at the University of Mun after graduation.
Assistant Principal Mr. Harms described the cell‑phone policy the high school implemented at the start of the second semester and outlined the progressive discipline system: a first offense results in a one‑hour detention, a second offense two hours, a third offense in‑school suspension (ISS) and a fourth offense may result in days out of school. "Stay present. Stay engaged. No cell phones, smartwatches, or listening devices," Mr. Harms said during his presentation.
Mr. Harms reported recorded violation counts that the board cited to show the policy’s early effect: about 211 violations in the first nine‑week period, 149 in the second nine‑week period and 37 during the early portion of the current term (Jan. 21–Feb. 9). He told the board teachers and students have generally increased compliance and that administrators plan to continue tracking the trend.
Board members asked clarifying questions about consequences and the policy’s intent; Mr. Harms emphasized the goal is not to remove phones needed for emergency contact but to reduce attention fragmentation and support student mental health during the school day.
The board’s recognition of student achievement and the administrators’ report on discipline practices concluded with appreciation for the school staff and the student guests who accompanied Mr. Harms to the meeting.
