Public school students return to class under new statewide cell phone policy

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Public school students across the state are returning to classrooms this week, facing a major change in how they can use their technology during the school day.

Read more Demolition begins at former Dee Lite Bakery site for affordable housing project

How the new cell phone policy works for students

The Hawaii State Department of Education is implementing a new, first-ever statewide cell phone policy adopted by the Board of Education. The policy is designed to establish consistent expectations for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Under the new guidelines:

Back to school at Kaimukī High

At Kaimukī High School, teachers are preparing to implement the new rules while welcoming students back to campus.

English teacher Sherry Ann Wright said she is eager to see how the change impacts her classroom.

“I’m excited for that new policy. I think it’ll really help with instruction time and focus,” Wright said. She added that the school has been supportive by providing storage solutions for students to place their phones during class to keep the policy consistent throughout the day.

For yearbook teacher Taianna Loketi, returning to her alma mater to teach alongside her former instructors was her top career choice.

Read more Manoa Stream cleanup begins months after severe flooding

“I grew up here. I’ve spent every day here since I was 7 years old, so me coming back and working here was a special thing for me,” Loketi said. “Ryan [Swinehart, special education teacher] was one of my teachers, like inclusion teachers, when I was here.”

Support for incoming freshmen

As public schools hold orientation sessions to help students transition into the new school year, Swinehart offered words of encouragement for incoming freshmen who may feel anxious about starting high school.

“All the teachers here are excited to welcome you guys onto our campus,” Swinehart said. “It is nerve-wracking. Even some teachers are nervous too, new teachers, even veteran teachers. But we’re all excited and we’re all gonna do our best to work together, so whatever anxious you have, there’s always gonna be a teacher that’s out here looking out for you.”

In addition to the cell phone policy, the Department of Education is introducing new farm-to-table food items to offer students healthier, locally grown produce. School officials are also reminding families that consistent attendance is vital for student success.

Read more Zuckerberg donates more than $330K to support Kauai’s school community