West Chicago Community High School students are adjusting to a new phone policy that requires devices to be put away during instructional time.
In spring 2025, Illinois lawmakers considered a bill that would have required all school districts to adopt classroom cellphone restrictions by the 2026–27 school year. The proposal failed to pass before the end of the legislative session, though it could return during the fall veto session.
Even without a statewide mandate, District 94 implemented its own version of the policy this fall. The rules call for phones to be stored in classroom pockets, with earbuds and smartwatches put away until class ends.
“I think it’s a positive impact on my learning, because without the distraction of my phone, it’s easier to stay focused and get my work done,” junior Philip Cabrera said.
Other students, such as junior Tierney Doyle and senior Ean Arizmendi, said the school-wide policy change feels unnecessary and sometimes stressful.
“I feel like it affected me negatively because during study hall we’re not allowed to use our phones, or communicate with friends, or use it for homework,” Doyle said.
Arizmendi said he sees both benefits and drawbacks.
“I feel like it helps you concentrate more, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking, ‘Oh, can I get my phone?’ Now you’re looking at the time more and you’re trying to waste time,” he said.
Some students said the phones hanging on the wall are a constant reminder, which makes them anxious. They also worry about not being able to contact family in emergencies.
School leaders, however, view the policy as necessary. West Chicago Community High School Principal Limaris Pueyo said the change is in line with other districts and ensures consistent expectations across classrooms.
“All of the teachers support the policy. They value it because they want to really focus on instruction and eliminate distractions,” Pueyo said.
She added that exceptions exist for students with medical needs, such as those who monitor their glucose levels.
Nick Kempski, who oversees the STAR program for credit recovery, agreed last spring that cell phones can disrupt learning, but emphasized the importance of consistent enforcement.
“Cell phones distract students from getting work done,” Kempski said.
While some students believe grades may be improving under the policy, others argue that the added stress outweighs the benefits. For now, the debate over whether the policy helps or hinders learning continues.
Diana Mackintos • Sep 9, 2025 at 8:56 pm
I don’t like the cell phone policy at all.
During School my phone aloud me to communicate if my brother needed something to eat he could text me. I was able to use it for when my Chromebook broke and the TCI was not available. Not to mention I had my entire schedule on the device. It was very easy to change too. due dates, ballet dances, cross country meets, track meets, color guard softball, library programs outside school and karate practice too. my schedule changed a lot and a planer would have been much more difficult to manage. another positive my phone aloud me to do was tune my violin, my phone saved me money there. I was able to use my phone to take photos to help me improve my visual library which is very important for drawing things without references. in fact my phone was the only reason why I was able to see my sister the day she was born. if the policy was in order while I was in school that would have been something I would regret for the rest of my whole life.
And of course my phone allowed me to call my family in case of an emergency.
So maybe instead of getting rid of the phones staff could try seeing a phone more as a tool instead of a distraction. Actually go over how a student could use a phone to increase grades improve better communication learn to use a phone for personal goals.
a phone may be a huge distraction but nobody really taught us how to use a phone to improve ourselves and its better to start now.
Fernando Calvillo • Sep 8, 2025 at 6:37 pm
Good Luck