At the beginning of each class, SHS students are required to place their cell phones in the classroom’s “phone home,” which is typically a wall-mounted phone holder with pockets for each student’s cell phone. This policy was implemented to reduce the constant distraction cell phones can present, which impacts teaching and learning.
Increased emphasis on following this SHS protocol has raised questions and concerns among students, teachers, administrators, and the community. Consequently, Superintendent William Burkhead participated in a student-led podcast on November 20th, 2024. The podcast was styled as an open-ended discussion, allowing students to share their opinions freely with Burkhead as an active participant.
Organized by SHS business teacher Eric Fagurland (Mr. F), the podcast was designed to cultivate this type of discussion. Fagurland said it was “a great way to include students in Mr. Burkhead’s monthly messages and for them to talk about the things that matter to them.”
Each month, Superintendent Burkhead sends a “Thursday Thoughts” newsletter highlighting what’s happening in the schools, future events, and other important information for the community.
During the podcast, students from each grade had the opportunity to contribute to the discussion. Notably, SHS freshmen experienced the most significant change with this year’s high school phone policy: As middle school students, they were required to keep their phones in their lockers for the entire school day. During the podcast, students also heard background information on how the policy came into place, its implementation, its benefits and potential drawbacks, and much more.
Current research shows that schools with cell phone restrictions report higher academic scores and decreased stress and anxiety. Envisioning SHS as the best school it can be, Burkhead said he believes “the best schools, communities, teams, businesses have strong cultures.” Burkhead also mentioned that the policy will “evolve and change, just like how technology and learning do.” He assured the SHS community that “if any changes need to be made, they certainly will.”
With students still having the freedom to be on their cell phones at lunch, Burkhead encouraged students not to rely on technology during this time and to interact with their peers in person since social interaction is a fundamental aspect of human development.
Burkhead also discussed the importance of having policies that make school more engaging. He asked, “If school was optional, would you go?”
As the podcast moderator, SHS senior Wyllys Ames commented about the format, noting he “liked the environment of how you could freely speak” and felt that everyone “took a lot out of the experience.” Senior class president Jane Ryan, who also participated, said she enjoyed the experience, remarking, “I hope there are more podcasts in the future about other happenings in the school.”
Burkhead said he felt the podcast “went outstanding,” noting it was a great way “to connect with the students and at the same time, hear their opinion and get their voice heard on an important topic.”
Fagurland hopes to build more interest in the podcast format, reiterating that all SHS students can access the school’s podcasting equipment. He encourages students to come by and use it, even if it’s just for fun. “It’s here. Use it. Come seek me out,” he stated.
If you’re interested in listening to November’s podcast, you can find it here: https://media.scit.org/media/Default/fgg/5/Thursday20Thoughts20December202024-2.pdf