Schools in Wyoming uphold strict cell phone policies

Governor Mark Gordon, in a letter addressed to district superintendents, school board members, building administrators and teachers, recently commended schools for their dedication to upholding academic excellence. He encouraged schools to prioritize focused learning environments to ensure students’ educational success. 

Governor Gordon highlighted the issue in a letter. The statement focused on restricting cell phone use during crucial learning moments. Outlining the policy summary, he stressed the significance of creating a focused educational setting by limiting cell phone distractions during class time.

In Wyoming, schools are standing firm in their enforcement of strict cell phone policies, aiming to foster an environment conducive to focused learning.

Rocky Mountain schools and Lovell schools, although in separate districts, have shown this same commitment by implementing and following guidelines regarding cell phone usage within their premises.

Betsy Sammons, the principal of Rocky Mountain Middle School/High School, emphasized the school’s stance on minimizing distractions in the classroom.

“Cell phones should not be taken to, or used, during class time, homeroom or other time intended for learning,” she said.

Sammons underlined the importance of creating a focused educational setting for students to thrive academically, emphasizing designated times for cell phone use outside of class hours.

“Students may use their phones before school begins at 8 a.m., in between class periods, during lunch and after school,” she said. 

Lovell superintendent Doug Hazen highlighted the longstanding enforcement of their no cell phone policy.

“Our general enforcement has been that kids are not allowed to have cell phones in class,” he said. 

He reiterated the school’s commitment to maintaining a phone free learning environment to enhance student engagement and academic performance.

“While smartphones have the potential to enhance the learning process, growing evidence suggests it can impede the learning process,” Hazen said. 

So as the academic year progresses, Wyoming schools continue to prioritize student learning by enforcing stringent cell phone policies, demonstrating their commitment to providing an optimal learning environment for all students.