Cell Phone Policy

Dear Wheaton Academy Students & Parents,

Over the last few years, we have paid close attention to the impact that cell phones have had on Wheaton Academy’s culture. We recognize many of the benefits and conveniences that cell phones provide. However, we have also recognized that cell phones have limited and changed face-to-face communication, keeping us from fully pursuing a key part of our mission—nurturing growth through relationships.

Our leadership team has been inundated with books, articles, guest speakers, and other resources describing the need for all of us to put down our phones to be fully present and flourish in our most important relationships. Research continues to show that cell phone notifications, social media apps, and games limit students’ ability to connect well with others (see The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt). Frequent notifications and a constant draw to “virtual lives” have made it hard for our students to focus on putting others above themselves, as God’s Word calls us to do (Philippians 2).

Last school year, we saw firsthand the positive impact of restricting cell phone usage in the classroom on student learning. By eliminating cellphone usage during class time, we saw growth in learning, student interactions, and a focus on engagement. In fact, many students commented that they would be much better off if they did not use their cell phones at all throughout the school day.

Many WA parents and teachers have shared just how difficult it is for them to resist the urge to pull out their phones with every spare minute or to respond to the barrage of notifications they receive. How much more is this true for our students whose minds are still developing? In short, we need to help our students in this area to a greater extent so they can fully experience the relationships and learning experiences provided during the school day.

Thus, this school year, we will require that students power off and refrain from accessing their cell phones, earbuds, and smartwatches throughout the school day, from the first bell to the final bell or assembly dismissal. This change will mean students cannot access phones between classes or during lunch. Students will not need to turn in their phones; instead, they should be powered off or in airplane mode in a locker, backpack, or someplace else that is not on their person.

Students who cannot meet these expectations will turn in their phones and may retrieve them from the front office at the end of the day. If a student accesses their phone and has it taken away more than twice, a parent must come to the office to retrieve it.

Over the last couple of years, many of our parents have expressed a desire for this change. We know that when parents and schools partner together, it positively affects our students’ lives. Thank you in advance for partnering with us to nurture this growth in relationships, which we believe will also significantly impact student learning.

Please take time to talk this over as a family so that all students will come to school on day one well-prepared to meet these expectations. When we return to school in a few weeks, we will reinforce these new expectations with all students so they can learn at the highest level and experience the richness of our community.

Gratefully,

Steve Bult
Head of School

Kori Hockett
Principal