Student representatives say Union Colony’s stricter phone rules and pathways boosted classroom focus

GREELEY, Colo. — Two student representatives from Union Colony Preparatory told the Greeley‑Evans School District 6 board that their school’s recently adopted cell‑phone policy has reduced in‑class distractions and helped students engage more with peers and teachers.

Garrett Escu said the policy “prohibits students from using their phones on school grounds from the times of 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.” and described classmates’ reports that the change has improved focus during lessons and allowed students to interact more in class. Escu noted the policy includes exceptions for emergencies with teacher or staff permission.

Alani Salinetti described Union Colony’s three academic pathways — a core pathway, a concurrent‑enrollment pathway that lets students take college courses alongside high‑school classes, and an associates pathway — and said the model gives students options to personalize their coursework. She also noted Union Colony was recognized as the top high school in the district in local rankings.

Board members asked whether student voice was solicited before the policy’s adoption; student speakers said they do not believe student input was sought prior to implementation. The board did not take action on the phone policy at Monday’s meeting; the student presentation was informational.

The student representatives’ report adds to a broader district discussion about classroom climate and support for concurrent enrollment and other pathways the board has been encouraging.