The rumors, the gossip, and the whispers are spreading: the phone policy at De Soto High School and in other districts is all too noticeable. The talk of the town seems to revolve around the procedures being implemented in school districts such as Olathe, Spring Hill, and of course, De Soto. Currently, students are not allowed to be on their phones during class; they are only to be used during seminar, in the hallways, and at lunch.
The outlooks on this topic vary between pupils, educators, administrators, and families alike. Regarding the harsher limitations on phone usage in Kansas schools, many individuals have opinions on how it should be handled.
The phone policy at DHS has been carried out differently in varying classrooms. For example, many teachers in the school have been adding phone caddies in their classrooms for students to place their phones in their specific slots. The phone caddies have typically been aimed towards extra credit as an incentive for the student body to not be drawn to their devices.
Regarding this, DHS Principal Samuel Ruff explains how the phone policy came about and how it is regulated at De Soto High School.
“Our current ‘electronic device’ policy was actually created several years ago, at least before the 2022-23 school year,” Ruff said. “Last year, collaboration on effective management of student phones led to multiple requests by staff for the caddies…the caddies help students make an active choice and commitment to not being on their phones during class.”
Despite the administration believing less phone time will benefit classroom environments, students have a different point of view on phone usage within the classroom. Senior Kira Lynch displays her grievances with not being able to use her phone in classes.
“I feel like the policy is a little strict. Sometimes I need to get on the phone to respond to a text…I feel like if it’s brief and not prolonged then being on your phone in class is okay,” Lynch said.
Other students, like senior Lucy Brandmeyer, share similar sentiments with those of the administrators that first organized the phone policy.
“I think the phone policy is necessary in classrooms. It could encourage me to get homework done as opposed to just scrolling on my phone,” Brandmeyer said.
Since Ruff’s mention of phone caddies being placed in classrooms around the school was used as a catalyst for change in device use, numerous teachers, like AP Language and Composition teacher Mr. Hamilton, have implemented this concept into their classrooms.
“…90% or more of my students take advantage and put their phone there [in the phone caddy], and it has led to just an incredible peace of mind,” Hamilton said.
Neighboring districts’ phone policy approaches have also been a source of conversation around the Johnson County School Districts. Specifically Olathe, numerous schools have decided to tighten their grips on students’ phones by executing a similar plan to De Soto’s. Olathe West senior Jameson Mangold emphasizes what occurred in her school that could have prompted a stricter policy.
“I think the switch-up happened mainly because of distractions in the classroom and kids not ever working, and also because of cyberbullying. They [Olathe administration] really don’t want videos and pictures being taken anymore,” Mangold said.
Similarly to other schools, administrators at DHS have noticed a change in management towards phones outside of the district. Building coordinator Cathryn Monroe compares her past experiences at her previous schools and pupils’ behavior to those at De Soto.
“It was really hard. As a teacher, it was disheartening to see kids constantly on their phone while you’re trying to teach them,” Monroe said. “It was frustrating as an educator as well because you’re repeating yourself seven, eight, nine, ten times because seven, eight, nine, ten different kids are on their phone and stopping at different times to ask clarifying questions.”
Due to the increase of occasional complaints from certain students, desire for change in regards to this system has elevated. Ruff allows an insight towards the future of the device policy at DHS.
“There are no plans for changes right now. We are fortunate in the number of students that are able to comply with the expectation to stay off the device during class,” Ruff said.
The intentions of administrators and teachers of the districts in Kansas are to allow students to expand their academic portfolio while still being able to learn in a classroom environment. Despite varying opinions from students, the phone policy at De Soto High School is here to stay.
