GISD website’s phone policy reads: If the student refuses to give the cell phone to an administrator, their refusal will be considered as an act of insubordination; therefore, their behavior will result in an automatic suspension.
Mr. Puga, an art teacher at South Garland High School, says, “As a teacher, I think it’s a great impact on our teaching.” He emphasizes that this rule turned teachers life for the better, stating how his students are more focused resulting on a higher percentage of students having passing grades.
Students at SGHS thinks differently. Tenth grader Vanessa Almanza says, “ If something happens and we need to call our parents, we won’t have our phones.” She states her concern for her safety in any case of an emergency.
Students’ parents seem to have mixed opinions. Zenaida Herrera, a parent of a 9th grade student in SGHS, explains how on one hand, students are more focused on their school work
than their phones but when being asked how does she feel about the rule, the worried parent says, “I understand why, but I’m worried about not being able to reach my child when I need to.”
It is expected that after weeks pass, the drama over the cell phone policy will slowly fade away. Students will adjust, teachers will find new ways to engage, and soon the chatter about the rule will die down, becoming just another part of daily school life at South Garland High School.
