By January, students must forsake their cell phones

By January, there’ll be a ban on students having personal cell phones in their classrooms.  It’s a promise delivered today in Westminster by the state’s boss of public education.  Superintendent Ellen Weaver, speaking to a crowd of 150-plus, said the prohibition against students having cell phones in class is part of a strategy to bring up scores, as well as enhance their safety in the event of an incident.  She explained that if there were a shooting, the full attention of students should be with school personnel and law enforcement for directions to safety.  Weaver keynoted the annual Rotary Apple Luncheon.  The talk of the first-term superintendent was interrupted by applause at least twice, as she outlined several strategies to improve students in math and English Language Arts.  Among those in support of her comments were Oconee school district officials present today.  Dr. Michael Thorsland, district superintendent, said during Monday’s board of trustees meeting there will be a report on the upcoming cell phone ban.  Earlier in her talk, Weaver commiserated over the senseless shooting this week at a high school in Winder, Georgia.