Madison Reporter

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District implemented a new cell phone policy for secondary schools at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. Now, one semester in, feedback from students and staff at Middleton High School has been largely positive.

Dean of Students Erik Johnson remarked, “Staff have been very supportive of the plan. I’m hearing that staff have been able to cover more content and reduce the amount of time needed for review because students are better able to focus in class.”

Johnson noted that the implementation process was smooth, thanks to collaboration with various stakeholders and a strong partnership with Qualtrics, which helped track student cell phone use. The district considered multiple options before settling on a policy flexible enough for teachers to manage phones as they see fit.

“We took time at the beginning of every class at the beginning of the year – and again at the start of the new semester – to have each teacher go over the policy in their classroom,” said Johnson. “Staff have the option to choose how the policy looks in their classroom.”

Teachers have employed different strategies under this policy; some require phones be turned in at class start while others allow them off and stored away. Social studies teacher Greg Rodgers observed significant improvements: “Students are more engaged than ever before... Perhaps even more meaningful, I have seen a dramatic increase in the number of students smiling in class.”

Students also expressed approval. Senior Aydin Rosas commented, “Overall, the cell phone policy has brought an immense amount of positive growth to the MHS community... everyone is more present in the classroom.”

Johnson emphasized that removing distractions during class time is key: “If the purpose of education is to prepare students to be better members of our community through academic success, students are achieving more academic success and developing skills that will translate to the workforce” due to this updated policy.

Middleton High School Principal Peg Shoemaker's vision played a crucial role in enacting this policy. The Safe Schools Resource Manual by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul guided its development.

Rodgers highlighted parent feedback's importance: “When an entire community comes together... it can result in powerful positive outcomes.” He believes all parties' support has led to significant changes benefiting students academically, mentally, and socially.