Iowa school tests new student cellphone policy

BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP) — An eastern Iowa high school has been testing a new policy that lets students use their cellphones at lunch and other, specified times during their school days.

Station WQAD-TV says the old policy barred use at Bettendorf High School between 8:15 a.m. and 3:10 p.m. But after feedback through a program that gives students a voice in resolving school issues, administrators set up a new, test policy.

A letter from associate principal Joy Kelly told parents that students still can’t have their cellphones with them in classrooms. If that rule is violated, phones will be confiscated and parents or guardians would have to retrieve them from the school office.

Violating the new policy also could lead to a Saturday school assignment or other disciplinary action.