Cell Phone Ban Yields Positive Results at Chapman Middle School
Students More Engaged, Teachers Report Improved Focus
WEYMOUTH - November 7 - Chapman Middle School's implementation of a cell phone ban has led to significant improvements in student focus and engagement. Over 93% of students are following the new expectations, with teachers reporting increased classroom participation and more productive social interactions among students.
Principal Jenny Dolan reported that cell phone infractions are almost nonexistent since the policy was implemented at the start of the school year. The ban requires students to put their phones in their backpacks before entering the building and store them in their lockers during the school day.
"Our students have been outstanding. Our staff have been exceptional," Dolan said. "I think the win here is that this was really the joining factor for our staff. Everybody was on board, and that's what made the difference."
According to data collected by the school, only 47 out of 410 eighth-grade students have had any cell phone infractions since the start of the year. Sixth-grade students have had even fewer issues adapting to the policy.
Teachers have noticed a marked improvement in student behavior and engagement. In a survey, the majority of teachers reported that students' level of focus during class has either greatly improved or slightly improved compared to last year.
One seventh-grade teacher commented, "I've asked a form of students about it, students I thought might struggle, and everyone seems really happy. They seem to understand the why, and I haven't heard any complaints."
Students themselves have reported positive effects from the ban. One student said, "I feel more connected to the real world. This year I'm more socially active." Another noted, "My year this year is better because now I'm more focused on work and me and my friends can interact more now."
Associate Principal Joe Amoroso called the cell phone ban a "complete game changer" for the school community. He highlighted the increased student interaction and engagement throughout the school day.
"When you walk in the building in the morning, we spent a lot of time at the beginning of the school year really setting the tone for what this was going to look like at Chapman," Amoroso said. "Now when you're out front in the morning when students are entering the building and saying good morning, you see students as they get off the bus and they just naturally take their phone, they put it in their backpack, and they zip their backpack before they come in the building."
The success of the cell phone ban has allowed the school to focus more on teaching and learning. Dolan noted that administrators now have more time to observe classrooms and provide feedback to teachers.
"What's been really exciting is if you go through the cafeteria, kids are playing chess. Kids are drawing. Kids are talking to each other," Dolan said. "It's just been a really great opportunity for kids to be kids and not have that social media barrier and that cell phone barrier."