Charter school ahead of curve on statewide cellphone ban
The cellphone ban is now in effect at school across New York, but the policy is nothing new for students at a charter school in Yonkers.
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The cellphone ban is now in effect at school across New York, but the policy is nothing new for students at a charter school in Yonkers.
Sali Ceesay is a junior at the Charter School of Educational Excellence and says she's already used to going without her smartphone during the school day.
"I would say it made it better, honestly. There are a lot less distractions," Ceesay says.
Principal Dwain Palmer says it's the second year that internet-enabled devices have been banned at the high school.
"We started to see where our communication was taking place through the cell phones throughout the school day, which a lot of times, created a lot of issues," Palmer says.
Education assistant Ronald Hussey admits that it was tough enforcing the policy but says the challenge was worth it in the end.
"We had a lot of kids come out to clubs, we had a lot of kids interacting during lunch, in class, a lot of interaction all over the place," Hussey says.
When the statewide ban was announced, some parents worried about staying in touch with their kids.
"I do have concerns about that, although times have changed," one parent says.
But Principal Palmer says his school has always made communication a priority.
"We have phones at our front desk. I've even gone as far as giving out my work cellphone to all families," Palmer says.
Hussey adds that consistency is key for schools enforcing the policy.
"These kids know how to play the game, so if you are not consistent, they will chew you alive," Hussey says.
