This academic year, 2022, Wahconah Regional High School of Dalton, MA instituted electronic device rule alterations; several of which are arguably necessary. However, signers of this petition take issue with one specific area of these new regulations: no cellphones during DLT (Designated Learning Time).

It is important to note that DLT is a credit-free course. No matter how studiously one may work, their efforts are not recognized academically. While some students work on homework during DLT, it is also a cool-down period for others. Most students require a break during the school day and traditionally, DLT has been that opportunity. Furthermore, in our modern society, it's become increasingly necessary for everyone - even young adults like us - to check their phones periodically. Students require their phones to coordinate after-school transportation, touch base with their families, quickly access E-Hall Pass, and efficiently search the web without lag and complications. In comparison to the average Wahconah student's phone, their Chromebook is ancient technology. 

Further, an individual’s phone is an important learning asset. The argument that students can use their personal Chromebooks as a complete replacement for a cellular device is flawed. The following issues - which have presented themselves over the first few days of school - prove this assertion: 

1. To access home email accounts privately - which is necessary for juniors and seniors completing college applications, students cannot use their Chromebooks;
2.  Video assignments require crisp sound and audio - something that Chromebooks don’t offer; 
3. A 2019 study performed by  Florida National University found that music can aid study practices by relieving stress from school work and easing testing anxiety. The alternative - completing homework in a loud environment - can be difficult;
4. Collaborative assignments are increasingly popular and cellphones offer a much easier form of peer-to-peer communication and collaboration. Students don’t receive push notifications for G-Mail on their Chromebooks;
5. While signing up for AP Classroom, account creation requires a two-factor authentication code texted to an individual’s phone number.

Given the reasons stated above, Wahconah Regional High School students should be permitted to use their cell phones during DLT. As a course that earns the student no academic credit, the staff should support whichever study practices and tools the student intends to employ. The new electronic device regulations importantly facilitate better learning practices and habits, however, prohibiting phones in DLT doesn’t reflect the spirit of the rule. While phones can be a distraction during class, they also serve as a useful study tool. 

On behalf of the Student Body, we thank you for your time and consideration regarding this subject.