Before any class can start, grumbling and reluctant students must put their phones in the designated numbers of the Phone Hotel. Some teachers have to remind the students, while others have the expectation that phones should be put up right away. Phone Hotels are often hung  near the entrance of the classroom. It has pockets numbered one through thirty with numbers assigned to each student. The students place their phones in the pockets and collect them at the end of class. The reason for the Phone Hotels is to reduce distractions and have more student engagement in the classroom. 

The idea was first introduced at the end of last year when a few teachers decided to hang them up in their classrooms, looking for a way to decrease distraction in the classroom. When the outcome was positive, Phone Hotels were added in every classroom. This also reduced the problem of students arguing with teachers who were asked to put their phones away, wasting class time. In addition, Mr. Dols mentioned that the administration wanted a sense of consistency. For example, he said that having phones allowed in some classes but not in others was “a mixed message.” 

This policy is a big change in the school and quite a few students have not accepted the idea graciously. Students have raised concerns about not being able to contact friends and family while being in class. They may need something or may have a family emergency during class time. As both Mr. Thuli and Mr. Dols said, they sent out an email at the beginning of the school year and set guidelines to be able to connect a child in an emergency situation

We asked Adam Schreir, a sophomore, and Chole Perrin-Smith, a senior, about the new policy and what they think of it. Both said they are now on their phones more during passing time because they aren’t allowed to have them during classes. Both aren’t on their phones much during the day and just wish they could have their phones during class to listen to music as it improves focus when doing school work. 

Despite the students’ frustration with the new rules, Phone Hotels have proved to be beneficial. Mr. Thuli mentioned that “in early data, the Phone Hotels seem to be working and students aren’t distracted in class because of looking at their phones.” While students aren’t quick to admit it, the Phone Hotels have been doing their job and have brought a significant change in the classroom.