NATCHEZ, Miss. — The Natchez-Adams School District plans to begin placing students’ cellphones inside signal-blocking pouches as part of a new effort to reduce classroom distractions and take cellphone enforcement responsibilities off teachers.
District leaders said approximately 1,300 pouches will initially be distributed to students in grades seven through 12 at Midland High School. Fifth- and sixth-grade students are expected to receive pouches later as additional supplies become available.
Assistant Superintendent Ernest Fields demonstrated the system, explaining that students will place their phones inside the pouches during the school day.
“All you do is drop the cell phone in here, and we’re done,” Fields said.
Fields said students have found ways around existing cellphone restrictions, including keeping phones on silent or vibration and using devices that resemble cellphones.
He said enforcing those rules can create additional disciplinary issues for teachers and take time away from instruction.
“Teachers have to deal with that from a disciplinary standpoint, and that leads to time out of the classroom. That’s exactly what we’re trying to protect,” Fields said. “Our teachers have enough to do, so we want to take all that business of cell phones off their plate.”
The pouches cost about $22 each, with the overall program expected to cost between $25,000 and $28,000. District officials said federal school funds will be used to cover the expense.
The program is expected to begin after Labor Day.
Some parents have raised concerns about students being able to access their phones during an emergency. Fields said the pouches are designed to be opened quickly because they use Velcro closures.
“We want to assure that kids can access their cell phones easily with this device because it is Velcro,” Fields said.
Students who violate the policy could face disciplinary action ranging from warnings to in-school or out-of-school suspension.
“Of course, you’re getting your warning, possibly in- or out-of-school suspension,” Fields said.
Natchez-Adams is not the first Mississippi school district to place new restrictions on student cellphone use. Madison County implemented an electronic-device policy last year limiting the use of phones and other devices during the school day.
Natchez-Adams officials are taking an additional step by physically securing phones inside signal-blocking pouches.
District leaders said they plan to monitor the program and make adjustments if necessary.
The Natchez-Adams School District currently holds a C accountability rating. District officials said they hope reducing cellphone distractions will improve student performance and help move the district closer to an A rating.
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