New cellphone policy starting next year for Grand Island Senior High

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Cellphone use is being restricted at Grand Island Senior High.

Starting Jan. 3, Grand Island Senior High will not allow the use of personal electronic devices. 

Before, teachers could use their discretion on when to allow students to use their phones. Now, cellphones need to be stowed away all day long. 

Executive Principal Jeff Gilbertson said cell phones disrupt focus in a learning environment. He said this will make it easier to operate a classroom and easier to be a learner. 

“We, at Grand Island Senior High, have done many things over the last two years to create the strongest, most safest, predictable learning environment that we can and with great success we have done that," Gilberston said. "And, I guess this will be the next step."

Students now will need to put their cell phones out of sight from 8:05 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in classrooms, the lunch room and hallways. 

Teachers will have a warning system and a discipline referral will be written if a student isn’t willing to cooperate. 

Administrators only, will take phones away if they see students abusing their use.