Please SHARE this petition — the more signatures we have, the more impactful it is.  Every student deserves to feel safe in their learning environment. At Jackson-Reed High School, the current DCPS (District of Columbia Public Schools) phone policy restricts students from using their phones during the bell-to-bell school day (9:00-3:30), which can pose significant safety concerns and impede educational benefits previously utilized by teachers.

In an era where school safety is constantly under threat, students need the ability to communicate efficiently and safely in emergencies, such as potential threats or shootings, which are all too present in the society we live in. By adapting the DCPS Phone Policy, acessibility to phones would enable students to promptly contact emergency services or family members in such critical situations. Furthermore, in-day communication is essential in such a large school to coordinate tranportation, after-school activities, and finding friends at lunch.

Additionally, phones can be powerful educational tools when used appropriately in classes. They provide access to online resources, allow students to collaborate on assignments in real-time, and enrich the learning experience with digital applications. When discussing the phone ban, teachers have reiterated their frustration at another resource they can't use anymore. It's 2025-- teachers do not need more roadblocks! Rather than outright bans, a balanced policy encouraging responsible phone use can cultivate a more enriched, flexible educational environment. This petition was NOT created to remove the policy entirely, rather to change it in order for a safer and more effective policy that helps everyone.  Everyone knows that phones can be and are a distraction in the classroom. That's why students are actively working on a document consisting of alternative solutions to help balance the reality of phone addiction while keeping Jackson-Reed safe.  It is a key belief of the students behind this petition that phones should not be free to use during classes. However, we believe the current Yondr pouch solution is NOT effective. Learn more about the statement above in the in-depth alternative solutions document coming soon. 
This petition aims to amend the restrictive phone policy at Jackson Reed High School to better safeguard students’ welfare, support educational engagement, and foster autonomy. Sign this petition to urge DCPS to review and adapt their phone policy, ensuring it aligns with our students' safety and educational needs. Please SHARE this petition — the more signatures we have, the more impactful it is.  The current goal is 1000 signatures.