News

Reactions vary as new phone policy takes effect

Brena Stepek and Jenna Smith • October 23, 2024

There has been a significant change in the use of phones within LOSD schools: No phones from the beginning to the end of the school day. As of this year, all personal electronic devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, AirPods and personal computers are prohibited from being out during school hours, which includes passing periods and lunch.
This policy was released to the public on Aug. 14 and was fully implemented with the start of school.
Reactions to the rule have varied from staff and students.
“I think it’s fine. I forget about my phone in school and I’ve noticed myself doing a lot more work,” said senior Ronan O’Hare.
Though some students aren’t as neutral.
“I think right now, it’s just unnecessary. There are bigger fish to fry and we should focus on larger things like mental health or substance abuse in our school,” said senior Mila Kaplan.
The administration implement this policy through disciplinary action, while teachers give warnings and can remove phones.
“The school board wanted uniformity for the policy districtwide, and [we] do our best to enforce it by admin and staff monitoring hallways and classrooms,” said Assistant Principal Brian Crawford.
School-issued Chromebooks and approved personal electronic devices are allowed to be used during school hours unless there is a loss of privilege. In the event of a health or safety emergency with prior principal approval, personal electronics are allowed.
Students who are caught with any personal electronic device during school hours will be given a warning and told to put the device away. If caught a second time, the device will be taken to the office for pick up and guardians notified. Caught for the third time and a guardian will have to pick it up. If caught any more than three times punishment will be issued.

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About the Contributors

Brena Stepek, Layout Editor

Brena Stepek, a senior, has been in the Newspacer for the past three years, and is currently the Layout Editor. Her favorite things about the paper are the community and editing articles. She has had a strong love for all things writing and literature and plans to pursue English in college. In her free time, she likes to scroll on Pinterest, read, and try new restaurants.

Jenna Smith, Staff Reporter

Jenna is in her sophomore year of high school. She enjoys reading history for fun, photography, art, and creating model planes. She is in Art 1 and does a lot of landscape drawings. She creates model planes from the timelines of 1930-1950. She enjoys going to museums and watching history documents.

Juwon Kim, Management Editor

Juwon Kim is a second year Management Editor for the Newspacer. She is a senior, and this is her third year writing for the Newspacer. She enjoys seeing the paper come together every issue, and the community that is built each year in the class. Outside of the Newspacer, she writes for the Oregonian, runs Lakeridge Period Club, plays water polo, and loves to read and bake. She hopes to major in journalism at college in the coming year.