QJHS separates students from cell phones while in class

QUINCY — In an effort to limit distractions and enhance students’ focus on their studies, Quincy Junior High School has begun a policy to prohibit cellphone usage during the school day.

Starting with the new school year, students are permitted to use their phones before and after school. But, during the day, they are to be turned off and put away in the students’ lockers.

QJHS Principal Brenda Fleer said cellphones became too much a distraction for students, in terms of taking their attention away from the subject matter at hand as well as being used as a tool to bully students or to simply get a social media fix.

“Honestly, they were a problem” Fleer said, referring to students having their cell phones in class. “When we discussed this, people said ‘good luck with that’, but we have received no pushback and the feedback has been positive.”

And despite the 90-year-old building being fully air conditioned, the heat was more of a distraction this week than the cell phones with the early dismissal times due to many school busses not having air conditioning.

“I know it’s just the first week, but things really have seemed calmer than the start of a normal school year,” Fleer said. “Is it the kids not having their phones? I have no way of knowing for sure, but it’s been a good first few days.”

And the teachers have also been supportive.

QJHS Language Arts teacher Brenda Rees said cellphones were, “a teacher’s nightmare, now it’s a teacher win. I am beyond thrilled that this policy is being implemented.”

Fleer said students still have full access to technology in the classroom with computers and tablets for education-specific resources.

And in case of an emergency?

“Every classroom still has a landline,” Fleer said.