New Prairie High School First Day well underway with New Phone Policy

NEW CARLISLE, Ind. -- The new school year brings new expectations; students at New Prairie High School are now adjusting to a stricter phone policy. 

Schools statewide must implement a new "bell-to-bell" policy in compliance with a new state law. 

Gov. Mike Braun officially signed Senate Enrolled Act 78 March 5, which requires schools to prohibit student use of personal wireless communication devices throughout the school day. 

New Prairie High School is a one-to-one technology school, meaning every student is provided with an electronic learning device in their classes. They're still enforcing the policy until the last bell rings. 

"We've emphasized with the student body and parents that a personal communication device, cellphones largely, but also we need to remember it could include a smart watch or anything you can access social media platforms. Those devices are not only powered off, but not on your person during the instructional day," says New Prairie United School Corporation Superintendent Paul White. 

Superintendent White says the school district has a zero-tolerance policy. The school has an action plan in place for when consequences are necessary. 

"Even if it's not being used and it's observed on you, that will count as a violation of what we're trying to implement," says Superintendent White. 

The policy is framed as a way to enhance students' learning in the classroom with zero distractions. 

"We understood what the legislature was doing and it should only help with student focus and the student learning process," says Superintendent White. 

Superintendent White says the new policy is the only major change for the school district this year.