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I am a purist in this matter. The only place for cell phones in my classroom are in the cubbyholes that I had made for them. All their ringers are turned off while in my classroom. The glass cover will be locked and five minutes before you leave my class it will be unlocked and students can collect their phones.

Why is this a nonnegotiable rule? I didn't just jump into the decision. The cell phone case cost me a pretty penny. I felt like my choices were limited because of the experiences I had with cell phones.

1. There were parents calling their children during class.
2. There were students texting all the time and confirmed on more that one occasion they were texting quiz answers to one another.
3. Students were playing video poker during my class.

It seemed like a never ending list of distractions and problems were being caused by phone use. It was completely out of control.

So the routine goes like this. I do a last call for cell phones before I begin my class. This gives you a chance if you just forgot it was still in your pocket, backpack, or wherever. If I find you with the cell phone after last call and the case is locked getting back is a bit of a hassle.

The student must make an appointment to come in with a parent, or legal guardian, not a brother, a sister or friend. They can then meet with me and I will give the phone to the parent. The parents have receive this information in numerous forms. I even send them a text message if that is one of their preferred methods of contact. However, they always seem to be angry when they have to make the trip to school to get the phone. It usually doesn't happen more than once.

Am I a tyrant? Probably, but there is no use in my classroom for a student to have a cell phone. It is not protected in the constitution, although I had one parent raise that issue. Again I am a purist, no cell phones.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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