“Cellular phones and other electronic devices that may cause disruption are not allowed in the academic setting.”
At least that what the recommended school policy says. Some teachers stick to this rule but others have their own policies.
“Some teachers see [texting] as disrespectful and others see it as a privilege,” said Junior Mariah Brings.
But when teachers see it as a privilege and don’t mind the cell phone use, do they care who can text and who can’t? Math teacher Michelle Macalena says, “It is important to be consistent with your cell phone use in class. During instruction time, there’s no texting. The last three minutes of class, I really don’t care.’
Technology teacher Rebecca Karna agrees and tries to teach students appropriate use.
“If a student has work to do and I know they do, I don’t yell at them but I remind them that they could be using their time better,” said Karna.
But there are a few teachers who do see it differently. Social Studies Todd Manninen doesn’t think it matters what grade a student has but what grade the student is in where Senior Shanlee Braun thinks that if a student works hard and has a good grade they should have the freedom to text in class and those that don’t shouldn’t have that privilege.
“It really depends on what grade the students are in,” Manninen said. “I don’t let my freshman classes to even have their phones out. I think seniors are a little more mature, they can balance work time and they have the ability to know when they have to put in away. I’m not parental with juniors and seniors because you could be at the college level if you wanted to be. They have the judgment to know when to be engaged [with the class].”
Students sometimes feel like teachers favor those kids who are doing well in a class verses those who tend to struggle. Math teacher Stacy Eggers doesn’t think the discipline should change with the grade, but if a student understands things quicker, they may end up having more time to be on their phones or iPods.
Junior Julia Hogan says, “teachers kind of ignore the smart kids who have their phone out constantly, but as soon as a kid who isn’t as smart even reaches in their pocket to check the time, they would remind that student to put it away and pay attention.”
BHS doesn’t have a set policy on when cell phone use is acceptable, only guidelines. Teachers have the choice whether or not to use these guidelines which creates more freedom in the class room.
“It is up to the teacher in each class,” said Principal Mark Mischke. “If kids with 84% can text and kids with 80% can’t, people would be at my door asking about that. That’s the key part about this school and what students enjoy about coming to this school is the freedom. We don’t have a zero tolerance policy in hardly anything and it’s good we don’t.”
Story by Haley Prim and Emily Spier
Photos by Jack Elliott
