Tracy High implements new dress code and cell phone policies
August 1, 2013
Tracy High’s new school year brought along some new school rules. The new school rules have been the talk of the school and has the staff and students curious.
The school district has decided to change its cell phone policy.
“Basically you can have them and use them (cell phones) whenever you want,” Tracy High principal Jason Noll said. “Except in class, it’s up to the teacher.”
Cell phones are now allowed to be used on campus during: passing period, lunch, in the hallways and whenever a teacher permits them. Before they were not allowed to be used at all and had to be out of sight at all times.
“Technology is moving at a rapid pace,” Noll said. “We wanted to give the teachers an opportunity instead of just saying that phones had to be off. If teachers wanted to use them in class for educational purposes, they can.”
Allowing the use of cell phones has made teachers grateful. Many students are now starting to feel connected and up- to- date.
Tracy High’s vice principal Rashmi Ahuja said that she has gotten a lot of positive feedback from students due to the change in the cell phone policies .
“I have heard positive feedback from the students,” Ahuja said. “They are loving it.”
Ahuja hopes that the new rules will cause fewer cell phones to be taken away and will help students stay focused on learning. She hopes that during class students will not be tempted to constantly check their phones because they now know they have the opportunity to check them during passing periods.
However, Ahuja does not know what the fate of the cell phones will be if the school district feels as if the new rules are not working out.
“I don’t know, “Ahuja said. “We just have to leave it up to them.”
She hopes that the new rules will have a positive impact on the school, staff, and students.
“I’m hoping it’s a good change.” Ahuja said.
Many students are excited about the new rule and are looking at it in a positive light.
“I think it’s cool that they’re allowing this,” senior Regine Anne Manuel said. “It stops me from checking my phone during class because I can actually check it later during school without getting in trouble.”
Students feel more free and less pressured now that they can use their cell phones freely. They no longer feel as if their cell phones are a distraction during school, they feel like they’re assets.
Along with the cell phone policies changing, there has been a slight change in the dress code policy as well.
“The change in dress codes is the wording changed a little bit,” Noll said. ” It talks about not being suggestive in nature.”
The dress code has stayed the same: however, it was written more clearly so students would not be confused. Noll explained that tank tops were allowed in school as long as no undergarments were being revealed and the strap was one inch.
“I think the main purpose of the cell phone policy and dress code policy is so kids understand what is more appropriate for an educational institution.”Ahuja said.
