27J students return to class without their phones

ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. ( KDVR ) — Friday, Aug. 9 was the first day of school for 27J Schools . The district operates on a four-day week all year long.

Another unique policy for 27J Schools is phones must be off and in a locker. They follow the “Away for the Day” policy at school. Research shows that kids and teens do better with phones, smartwatches and other personal devices away during school hours.

So, devices are put away all day in lockers, backpacks or turned in to teachers.

Principal Justin McMillian of Quist Middle School said it has had a positive impact on learning.

“It’s just a game changer. Students are constantly worrying about what’s going on in their social media or Snapchat or other different things. So, having students, at first we’re like, ‘Oh, I gotta have my phone.’ But then I mentioned, eventually, they’re like, ‘This actually feels nice not having to worry about that,’” said McMillan. “It has had an impact on student achievement, there is less distraction, there are less behavioral referrals that come from those aspects. But at the end of the day, students are thriving because of this policy. Then at 4:37 p.m., they can break up their phones and go right back into that mode if they want to.”

But, if a student doesn’t put their phone away, it is taken, and a parent or guardian has to come and get it.

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