There will be a meeting Wednesday between the PTA and principal Olympia Rainer to discuss Rainer’s proposal of putting a cell phone jammer to prevent cell phone use in school.
“I am listening if anyone has any better ideas. I am meeting with members of the PTA next week. Perhaps they will have a better idea, but so far I haven’t heard a solid alternative solution.” Rainer said.
So far this year, 350 out of 850 students have had discipline referrals regarding cell phone use.
“Instead of trying to restrict us more, why doesn’t the administration lighten up? If students could use their cell phones during lunch or passing periods, we wouldn’t have to use them in class. I bet that would solve the problem.”
Students are allowed to use their phones before and after school, but there has been a ban on phones in school hours for two years.
“What happens if there is an emergency? No one could use their phones. My mom feels more secure when I have my phone with me.” Junior Tara Dominguez said.
The president of the Parent Teacher Association, Gale Chen, said most parents understand Rainer’s frustration over cell phone use during school but most do not feel comfortable with a jammer on campus.
“My pastor actually gave me the idea. He was talking with me about how he hates it when cell phones go off during his sermon. He said he wished he could put a force field around the church during the service to disable cell phones. Basically, that is what the jammer will do.” Rainer said.
Rainer said the administration could turn the jammer on at 8:15 a.m. when school starts and turn it off at 3:45 p.m. when school releases.
“We made the request so we could be ready. If the district moves forward with this proposal, we would like to test the jammer out for a month before we request full approval.” District lawyer Ted Gringot said.
FCC spokeswoman Mira Sorno said the district will likely get a one- month approval.