This school year, Lemont High School teachers are collecting all students’ cell phones at the beginning of each class.
Prior to the beginning of the school year, LHS students and families received an email from LHS principal Eric Michaelsen and assistant principal Brent Gagnon. The email explains that “Beginning Monday, Aug. 12, students will be directed to put their cell phones in cell phone pouches located in every classroom.”
This decision was made in an effort to, “Create an optimal learning environment where students can fully concentrate on their academic work and classroom activities,” according to the email.
Although initially students were exceedingly trepidatious about the new rule, after some time had passed people began feeling more comfortable with the process.
“Teachers really like [the new rule],” Michaelson said.
Many feel that the rule is increasing productivity while simultaneously reducing distractions.
When asked about the factors that went into enacting the new rule Michaelson brought up a thought-provoking point about the creation of all new rules.
“When I was growing up…you didn’t have to wear a seatbelt, you saw people smoking all the time, [until people made rules against it], and those rules turned out to be pretty good rules. I think we are going to find something similar with phones,” Michaelson said.
Michaelson feels that, “Having access to phones made it difficult at times for students to focus on the lesson.”
Ultimately, “The goal is to improve the teaching and learning that goes on in the classroom.”
