RCHS Official Gives New Policy Update To Board
The recently implemented cell phone policy at Rockbridge County High School is showing early signs of success, according to an update presented at the March 11 Rockbridge County School Board meeting.
RCHS Assistant Principal Dr. Dan Fallen briefed the Board on how the policy — adopted on Dec. 10 in response to a state executive order — has played out since going into full effect at the start of the second semester.
The policy, which prohibits student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, allows students to keep phones in their backpacks as long as they are powered off from first bell to last. The approach was intended as a middle-ground response to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s directive last summer for schools to adopt “bell to bell” personal device bans.
“We thought it would be very important to speak to students about it before Christmas break,” Fallen said. Administrators visited classrooms in December to explain the expectations, which apply not only to cell phones but also to smartwatches and Bluetooth earbuds.
Feedback from both staff and students has been largely positive, according to Fallen. “Overall, I would say it’s been a great success,” he told the Board, adding that teachers have reported a noticeable improvement in student engagement and social interaction throughout the school day.
Fallen noted that while students have not enthusiastically embraced the policy, they generally understand its intent and have adapted to the new norms. “They respect it,” he said. “We kind of addressed it with our students as it’s an addiction —we’re all trying to get over this together.”
Faculty have also responded favorably. At a recent lead team meeting, teachers reportedly praised the policy’s impact on classroom focus and student behavior, with one science teacher observing increased peer conversation and participation due to reduced social media distractions.
“One unexpected effect is that students feel more comfortable speaking up in class because they’ve spent more time talking to each other,” Fallen said.
There have been some challenges. Students accustomed to listening to music during independent work periods have expressed frustration. In response, the school has permitted the use of corded earbuds in certain circumstances and has seen a surprising resurgence in students bringing MP3 players to class.
Fallen said most policy infractions have involved earbuds rather than phones, reflecting that ongoing desire for music access. While the school saw a high number of infractions early on — approximately seven to 10 per day — that number has declined significantly as students adjust and enforcement becomes more consistent.
“A lot of the infractions now are happening in the hallways, which tells me teachers are enforcing it in the classrooms as expected,” he said.
Board Vice Chair Neil Whitmore echoed the positive feedback. “I’ve heard mostly positive comments from parents,” he said, adding that other divisions across the state have moved to stricter policies over time, whereas Rockbridge’s initial approach seems to be holding steady.
Fallen agreed, saying he sees no reason to revise the policy at this time. “It was a very daunting task — almost a thousand phones in the building — but I really do think the kids and teachers have responded well.”
The administration plans to continue monitoring the policy and working with students to balance compliance with practical needs, such as yearbook interviews and music accommodations, while upholding the integrity of the device-free learning environment.
