PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Petersburg City Public Schools is the latest district to adopt a new and fast-growing program that aims to keep students focused and safe while at school.
Beginning in February, three schools will be a part of what the district is calling the “ Cell Phone Free Learning Environments Launch . ”
The three schools that will be participating in the new program are Blandford and Pittman Academies along with Vernon Johns Middle School.
School leaders announced the decision at a school board meeting on Wednesday night.
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Blandford and Pittman Academies start the new policy on Monday, Feb. 19, and Vernon Johns Middle School on Monday, Feb. 26.
Students will be required to turn off their phones before they walk into school each day. Once they are inside, they will be given a “ Youndr ” pouch for their phones. Staff will then make sure that the pouch is locked using a special locking mechanism.
The students’ phones will remain locked in the pouch for the school day. Before dismal, however, a staff member will unlock the pouch and give the phone back to the student.