By Kwanza Davis Staff Writer
At Pershing High School, students’ cellphones are getting bagged and tagged at the front entrance of the building, because teachers and administrators said they believe it distracts the students from learning in the class.
The bag-and-tag policy started late in March by staff members of Pershing. The cellphone bag-and-tag has been effective at times.
“The policy was started because, across the school we saw students who were on their phone the most were struggling academically,” said Caitlin Kozak, STEM Lab teacher.
If a student is caught in the classroom on their phone, more than once in a two-week period, they get their name written down on a piece of paper. The next day the students on the list will have their phones taken by the security guards at the main entrance.
“Anywhere from 15-20 names are on the cellphone bag and tag list,” said Phil Dugliss, Science teacher.
“It depends on the day. Probably about 20 students are caught with their cellphone out once and five will get their cellphone bagged and tagged.” Kozak said, referring to her classes’ cellphone usage.
Some students follow the cellphone policy and stay off their phones but some students just don’t care about the policy.
“I feel that it’s very pointless. It doesn’t help students nor teachers.” said Brittany Hill, student at Pershing High School.
“I think phone use in classroom has gone down but we still have some work to do to make sure it’s implemented correctly,” said Kozak.
