RPS says no issues following first week of new cell phone policy
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — 8News got an up-close look as Richmond Public Schools (RPS) adjusts to its new cell phone policy. A mandate issued by Gov. Glen Youngkin (R) required that all students turn off and put away their phones until the end of the school day. School divisions were told to develop their own policies and procedures for enforcing this "bell-to-bell" ban. In Richmond, the school district is following a disciplinary tier system for students who violate the new policy, which can lead to suspension. Thomas Henderson Middle School principal Allen Vernon said his staff has been prepared since 2024. So far, Vernon said only 10 of the 430 students have been suspended for phone-related infractions. "We had an expectation meeting with each grade level on Monday when we came back,” Vernon said. “We also had two meetings prior to the break and we informed parents through newsletters and through a reminder system." Sixth-grade English teacher Gene Parris said the climate in his classroom shifted immediately under the new policy. “From day one, they've been pretty responsible with their cell phones,” Parris said. Before the policy change, Parris said it was a struggle to get students' attention. “I would say I probably spent -- on the low end, ten [percent, and] on the high end, 20%, of class time just [with] cell phone battles,” Parris said. Seventh-grader Yohannes Harden said the new rules have had no effect on him. “I didn't really bring my phone to school a lot at the time, [even] when we were allowed,” Harden said. “Cell phones don't really get in the way of me interacting with my friends because I talk to them outside of school and inside of school.” RPS officials said none of the issues this week have risen to the level of needing a disciplinary hearing. They're confident the smooth implementation of the new policy will continue for the remainder of the school year.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — 8News got an up-close look as Richmond Public Schools (RPS) adjusts to its new cell phone policy.
A mandate issued by Gov. Glen Youngkin (R) required that all students turn off and put away their phones until the end of the school day. School divisions were told to develop their own policies and procedures for enforcing this "bell-to-bell" ban.
In Richmond, the school district is following a disciplinary tier system for students who violate the new policy, which can lead to suspension.
Thomas Henderson Middle School principal Allen Vernon said his staff has been prepared since 2024. So far, Vernon said only 10 of the 430 students have been suspended for phone-related infractions.
"We had an expectation meeting with each grade level on Monday when we came back,” Vernon said. “We also had two meetings prior to the break and we informed parents through newsletters and through a reminder system."
Sixth-grade English teacher Gene Parris said the climate in his classroom shifted immediately under the new policy.
“From day one, they've been pretty responsible with their cell phones,” Parris said.
Before the policy change, Parris said it was a struggle to get students' attention.
“I would say I probably spent -- on the low end, ten [percent, and] on the high end, 20%, of class time just [with] cell phone battles,” Parris said.
Seventh-grader Yohannes Harden said the new rules have had no effect on him.
“I didn't really bring my phone to school a lot at the time, [even] when we were allowed,” Harden said. “Cell phones don't really get in the way of me interacting with my friends because I talk to them outside of school and inside of school.”
RPS officials said none of the issues this week have risen to the level of needing a disciplinary hearing. They're confident the smooth implementation of the new policy will continue for the remainder of the school year.
