By India Altchul ’20
The middle school library recently implemented a new policy prohibiting cell phone use between first and ninth period, unless a student has permission from a teacher or librarian. Prior to this, the rule was consistent with the rest of the Middle School: no cell phone use between first and eighth period. Elaine Levia, a middle school librarian, gave her thoughts on the new policy.
“The library faculty decided to extend the cell-phone-free rule by one period in order to maintain an environment that is conducive for work, studying and collaboration,” Levia said.
Levia said that she thinks the new policy will promote a more collaborative environment in which students talk with each other instead of staring at a cell phone screen. This will encourage students to interact with each other and focus on their work instead of social media, texts and other cell phone interactions.
“The response has been positive. It seems like it is a policy that makes sense. Making rules is not enjoyable, but being able to have constructive conversations around the boundaries that are set has been really awesome,” Levia said.
However, some of the students disagree with Levia, but still agree to follow the cell phone policy.
“I think that we should at least be able to use our phones ninth during period because we can everywhere else on campus,” Keira Jameson ’22 said.
The policy will be in effect until the end of the school year.
