Washoe County Schools Launch “Phone Away and Learn Today” Pilot Program After Winter Break

Reno, NV — The Washoe County School Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the “Phone Away and Learn Today” pilot program, which will be implemented across all district schools after the upcoming winter break. The program aims to tackle the distractions caused by cellphone use during class while promoting healthy technology habits among students.

Addressing Classroom Challenges

The initiative seeks to address issues such as lost instructional time and behavioral disruptions linked to phone use. It includes two primary components: banning phones during class and teaching students self-management and responsible technology use.

Elementary students will store their phones in cubbies or other designated containers, while middle and high school students will keep their devices away from themselves during class. Storage methods, such as phone caddies or backpack hooks, will be determined by individual teachers.

Deputy Superintendent Tiffany McMaster clarified, “This is not a ban. It’s about helping students build lifelong, healthy technology habits.”

Concerns and Exceptions

Some parents have expressed concerns about students’ access to phones during emergencies like lockdowns. School officials are working to address these worries by ensuring phone storage areas are safe and accessible when needed.

Exceptions to the policy will be made for students with medical or disability-related needs, provided they have an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. Teachers may also allow phones for classwork when appropriate.

Implementation and Communication

Ahead of the program’s rollout, students will receive information through announcements, teacher reminders, and a campaign designed by students, featuring posters and public service messages.

“This initiative comes from a place of care and a desire to help students succeed,” said Trustee Colleen Westlake.

Recognizing Community Support

The board also honored three nonprofit organizations for their contributions:

•Assistance League of Reno-Sparks: Nearly $300,000 in scholarships, teacher awards, and support for student athletics.

•Food Bank of Northern Nevada: Monthly support for 155,000 individuals and pandemic meal distributions.

•Education Alliance: Partnerships to improve student health, wellness, and attendance.

Modernizing District Technology

The board approved an $11.2 million contract with Applications Software Technology Inc. and a $11.1 million deal with Oracle to modernize the district’s outdated BusinessPLUS system. The new system will integrate payroll and other processes, improving efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars.

“This is a significant step forward for our district,” said Chief Information Officer Chris Turner, noting the project will take approximately 15 months to complete.

With the pilot program and technology upgrades, the district aims to enhance both the learning environment and operational efficiency in 2024.

Source: This is Reno