We are asking Garden City Public Schools to revise the GCHS cell phone policy so that phones remain prohibited during instructional time, but students may use them during designated non-instructional periods, with powerful consequences for students who violate the classroom restriction.

We are asking the district to:

✅ Allow phones during lunch

✅ Allow phones during passing periods

✅ Allow students to keep phones secured in their backpacks during class instead of surrendering them

✅ Establish consequences for students who repeatedly use phones during class. Not a blanket ban.

Phones can be distracting during instructional time. There’s no arguing that. We aren’t asking for consequences to be removed, we are asking to replace the restriction with a system where students have something to lose when misusing cell phones.

Instead of making everyone follow the strictest rule, students who repeatedly violate the policy could lose privileges. After multiple violations, you can arrange a meeting with the student, parent/guardian, and administration. The student would then have a signed written agreement saying that another violation would result in a predetermined consequence. Another option could be the temporary loss of phone privileges. For example, 3 violations can lead to students having to check their phone into the office each morning for ‘X’ amount of days. 

The school board might argue that keeping that track of phones in the office could be confusing. Another option, could be having the offended student check their phone into the boxes that we already have at the school every morning. Meaning, they’d still be able to carry their cell phones on them after being a repeat offender, rather than having to surrender it.

Again, as are not asking for the rules to disappear. We are asking for a policy that trusts students who demonstrate responsibility, holds accountable those who do not, and gives our school community a fair opportunity to find a balance that works. All signatures bring attention to the issue, and the students in Garden City Public Schools would love your support. Thank you!