EHS and EMS Celebrate Support of Cell Phone Policy

This year, Ephrata High School (EHS) and Ephrata Middle School (EMS) took significant steps toward improving student engagement by implementing strict “no cell phone” rules during class time. The effort, part of a nationwide trend, aims to minimize distractions and foster a more focused learning environment.

At EHS, families were introduced to the concept during family orientations, where staff highlighted how cell phones were hindering students’ academic success. Under the new rules, students can use their phones during passing periods and lunch, but not in the classroom. Since its introduction, teachers have reported higher levels of student engagement and improved classroom dynamics. They’ve noted being able to focus more on teaching and less on redirecting students from distractions, meaning they’re moving through the curriculum more quickly because students are fully present in class.

EHS Principal, Ashlie Miller, is optimistic about the long-term benefits. “The impact of this effort will be huge,” she said. “I expect we will see a tremendous amount of progress in learning without distraction. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish by the end of the school year.”

Beyond academic improvements, teachers have noticed a shift in social behavior. Rather than reaching for their phones when classwork is finished, students are interacting with one another – chatting, playing cards and engaging in ways they didn’t before. A switch that many teachers report as being very positive.

EMS has taken the policy a step further, requiring students to put their phones away at the beginning of the school day and not access them again until dismissal. EMS Principal Tina Mullings shared that the community response has been overwhelmingly supportive.

“We’ve had amazing feedback from EMS families, and it’s made all the difference,” Mullings said. “The students understand why we’re doing this and have been working hard to comply. So far, we’ve had only six violations, which I’d call a big success.”

Mullings also reported that students have become more engaged in the classroom and more social during lunch and passing periods. “We’ve introduced board games and art supplies in the lunchroom, along with traditional recess time after eating. Kids are coming together, bonding and really valuing each other over their screens. It’s been incredible to witness.”

Both EHS and EMS are committed to monitoring and adjusting this practice as needed and welcome feedback from families. To share your thoughts or ask questions, please contact EHS at ehsinfo@ephrataschools.org or EMS at emsinfo@ephrataschools.org, or reach out to the school office directly.

Two EMS students use a break to work on a puzzle. EMS reports students are engaging with each other more now that cell phones have been restricted.

EHS teachers report that without cell phone distractions, students are more engaged in classwork.