Mundelein High School is asking students to put away their cell phones, avoid distractions and focus on collaboration and participation in the classroom this year. The school’s new cell phone expectations make classrooms and other learning environments cell phone-free spaces.
Students will be allowed to use cell phones in hallways during passing periods, in the cafeteria during assigned lunch periods and in the media center. But assessment centers, instructional spaces, student support spaces, restrooms and locker rooms are all off-limits to cell phones.
“The purpose is to promote a more focused and productive learning environment for all students,” said Dr. Alexandria, Rios-Taylor, MHS Principal. “We believe that implementing these new expectations will enhance student engagement, increase student academic performance, and ultimately be best for our students.”
MHS administrators surveyed parents, teachers and students last May and listened to focus groups in the spring. The survey showed that 62 percent of parents strongly support the new cell phone expectations and 97 percent of MHS teachers believe it is very important for MHS to implement them. While a majority of students do not believe their cell phone use is important to improving their learning environment, more than half believe some sort of cell phone expectations should be adopted.
Students who bring cell phones to class will be asked to deposit them in a bin inside the classroom door. Students also have the option of getting a school locker to store their cell phone during class. While it will be a change for students returning to MHS this fall, it will be more of the same for most incoming freshmen who had similar expectations in middle school.
Parents will have no trouble reaching their children quickly, if needed, Taylor said. They can call any of numerous phone numbers at various departments throughout the school. This year, each classroom now has a landline phone so staff can quickly and easily dial into classrooms when needed.
While a progressive disciplinary procedure is in place for students who make a habit of breaking the new expectation guidelines, Taylor said the idea is to teach students how to live without their cell phones and focus on the people around them.
“It will require a shift for our students. But ultimately, we believe this change will significantly enhance our students’ learning experience and prepare them for future success,” Taylor said.
Parents, guardians and family members are asked to support the new expectations by not calling their students while in class. Parents are also invited to join teachers in a Community Book Club, featuring the book, “The Anxious Generation,” by Jonathan Haidt. The book explores the potential link between the rising rates of anxiety and depression among teens and the potential link to an increased use of social media and smartphones.
The club will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. on Aug. 22, Sept. 26 and Oct. 30 at MHS. Discussions will be in both English and Spanish. Books will be provided for free in both English and Spanish and available in the school’s main office. To participate in the club, please register at this link.