VHS students, staff roll out week‑long pilot requiring classroom phone caddies

Shreyas, a Bedford High School student, told the school committee the high school will begin a seven‑week classroom phone‑policy pilot after April break that asks students to place phones in classroom "caddies" during instructional periods. "We'll be starting a new policy where students have to put their phones in caddies in every classroom," Shreyas said, adding the pilot is student‑informed.

School staff emphasized the trial is a pilot and not a permanent handbook change. "It is not a policy," said a member of the implementation team, noting the district is collecting data via surveys and observations to decide next steps and that a full‑year pilot could begin in September, with a handbook vote planned in 2026.

The proposal uses a Level‑3 approach the presenters described as "cell‑to‑cell, no bell to bell, no cell just within the classroom period": phones would remain with students during passing time, lunch, flex and advisory; in some 12th‑grade classes that enroll only seniors, students may be allowed to keep phones on their person. Staff said teachers, a psychologist and students were part of planning and that the aim is to improve engagement and reduce distraction.

Committee members and staff discussed how the school will respond to students who refuse to comply. The implementation team said it will avoid "power struggles" and not immediately default to punitive removal from class. "If a kid steadfast refuses, we're going to have a conversation with that student," the presenter said, adding the school intends to contact families and to involve counselors rather than relying on extended out‑of‑class consequences.

Supporters on the committee praised the collaborative planning, and several members said they expect a short adjustment period followed by improved classroom engagement. The committee did not vote on the pilot; presenters said they will return with pilot findings and possible handbook language after the trial period.

Next steps: the district will run the seven‑week pilot after April break, gather survey and observation data from students, caregivers and teachers, then report results to the committee before any handbook change or district‑wide policy vote.