I am a senior at Washington Liberty High School, and having spent my past three years in this institution, I find it to be a place that holds significant meaning to me. This year, a new policy enacted under "Executive Order 33" mandates that all devices must be confiscated during every period, including homeroom in Arlington Public Schools. While it is understood that phone usage can be disruptive during academic periods, it becomes intrusive during homeroom, a time that is not designated for instruction.

Every year that I have attended high school at Washington Liberty "generals period" as it's known has been a time when students can work on coursework they have or just take a break in the morning. During this time there are no assignments given and no instruction taught. Last year in a failed attempt to revamp Homeroom Arlington Public Schools tried and added Social-emotional learning(SEL) to the period. this would go on to be perceived overwhelmingly poorly by students counteracting the point for which SEL was brought in. 

This year is the first where this policy has taken effect, and its impact on the student community will be profound. While the intention to foster better focus among students is appreciated, the extension of the policy to homeroom is unwarranted. Homeroom periods are typically spent on personal growth, communication, and relaxation before the rigorous academic periods. Without their devices, students are left disconnected from important resources and personal necessities, creating a more tense, less productive environment.

As a collective, we believe policies should foster an environment of balance between academic rigor and personal flexibility. We urge the administration at Arlington Public Schools to reconsider the extent of "Executive Order 33" and remove the restriction on phones during homeroom periods. We believe the intention is positive, but a greater balance is needed, and the new phone policy can achieve this. 

Please support our endeavor by signing this petition. Your signature will make an impactful statement about the importance of students' autonomy and personal space in educational settings. Please sign and support our cause for a balanced school policy. Thank you for reading!