BOISE, Idaho — With over a week into the 2024-25 school year at the West Ada School District, students have had some time to get accustomed to the district's new cell phone policy. But how are they holding up?
According to Scot Montoya, the Mountain View High School (HVHS) principal, it has been a good first week.
"It's been fantastic," Montoya said. "I got to say I've been so impressed with the teachers, they understand the importance of it, and I feel like our parents and students see the importance of it."
Montoya said that taking cell phones out of students' hands during school helps them to become more engaged.
The West Ada Board of Trustees passed the cell phone ban in the spring of this year. It prevents students from having their cell phones on them, in their bags and lockers while at school.
"When they come into the classroom, they have their own slots. We have these calculator holders and everyone has their place where they put it," Montoya said.
MVHS has been monitoring cell phones for the last three years, requiring them to be out of sight during class. But now, with this year's district-wide rule in effect, Montoya said, "The biggest change is turning off the devices and making sure the smart watches and earbuds are out."
The ban was proposed by trustee, David Binetti.
"Our primary obligation is a distraction-free environment for our kids, and cell phones are the ultimate distraction. so, removing it from the instructional environment so that our teachers can focus on teaching our kids and keep us at the top of reading and the top of math, it's where we want to be," Binetti told KTVB back in April.
It's been to allow for fewer distractions and more social interactions. It's been just that, Montoya said.
"If they don't have their cell phones in their hands, their more engaged... it's less distracting," he added.
Students come in and get right into their learning, he said.
Whether or not students can use their devices during breaks is up to the individual schools.
"We let them have it during passing period, during lunchtime," Montoya said.
During class time, if a student needs to leave, like for the bathroom, phones still stay in their classroom spot.
"The first time can be a warning; they'll pick it up after school. The second time, parents will have to come to school and pick up the cell phone," Montoya said.