Mobile County Public Schools is committed to fostering positive engagement in the classroom and has a responsibility to do all we can to care for students’ mental and social well-being.
Therefore, for the 2024-25 academic year, MCPSS is enforcing an existing policy prohibiting the use of cell phones, ear buds and smart watches during class. It’s part of an enhanced safety plan that also includes advanced weapon detection screening and vape detection.
Each school has a specific plan for enforcing the cell phone policy. Some are issuing students secure Yondr pouches to store their phones during the day, while others are requiring phones to be placed in a secure lockbox in the morning and returned at dismissal.
Last year, MCPSS conducted cell phone pilot programs at Chastang-Fournier K-8 and Hankins Middle School. Hankins Principal Joshua Verkouille said the program was “extremely successful,” both from an academic and disciplinary standpoint. “Fewer students failed,” he said. “Discipline, as a whole, was better.”
Chastang-Fournier Principal Veronica Coleman said putting away cell phones has had a positive impact on her school as well, improving engagement in the classroom.
Parents who need to contact their children during the school day can call the school office. Verkouille noted that each classroom also has a phone that can be used in case of emergency.
Citronelle High counselor Stephen Watts said the policy not only improves classroom engagement, but also benefits students’ mental health.
“We know that the more students isolate themselves, that it can worsen levels of anxiety, and it leads to depressive symptoms just because of the isolation,” he said. “Our goal is less device time, more pro-social connections among students – and obviously, we’re doing it ultimately for positive academic achievement.”
The advanced weapon detection screening systems have been installed on middle and high school campuses. They are 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors, allowing students to move through security at a normal pace without having to empty their pockets. If a weapon or questionable item is detected, that item is noted on a video monitor so administrators can identify and search that particular student.
These systems also employ facial recognition software, which will alert us if someone comes on campus who should not be there.
In addition, with teenage vaping becoming an increasing concern nationwide, MCPSS is in the process of installing vape detection devices in middle and high school restrooms and other areas as deemed necessary.