Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, all Central classrooms will be equipped with a phone storage unit where students will be expected to store their cell phones and earbuds during class time.  In District 127, we value engagement in learning. Our cell phone expectations help us focus and limit distractions during all parts of the school day.

Cell phone usage in schools has become a major concern nationwide affecting mental health and academic progress in the classroom environment, and Grayslake Central is no exception. We recognize the negative impact that student cell phone usage in the classroom can have on student achievement, engagement, and well-being—extending far beyond the classroom setting. Research has shown that cell phone usage during instructional time disrupts the learning process, diminishes the quality of classroom social interactions, impedes student focus, and results in missed instruction.

As such, GCHS will limit access to cell phones during class time to reduce disruption and to ensure students are fully present. Some benefits of creating this separation include:

• Sharpened focus

• Fewer disruptions

• Improved mental health

• Increased engagement

• More authentic relationships

• Enhanced academic performance

Per the new Cell Phone Expectations and Guidelines, students will put their cell phones and earbuds in a caddy when they walk into class. They may still have access to their phones before and after school, when on open campus, and throughout the 5-minute passing periods.

Our plan is to limit access to cell phones during class time in order to eliminate its disruption in the learning process and to ensure that students are fully present not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.

To learn more about our interventions for students, click here.