Pocono News Section

Parents Question School Cell Phone Policy

Parents Question School Cell Phone Policy - Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 5:38PM EST

Williamsport, Lycoming County-
The Williamsport Area School District’s cell phone policy has been called into question by parents after Tuesday’s cafeteria brawl.

We’re told things were pretty much back to normal here at the high school following a series of fights Tuesday afternoon.

The fights brought dozens of police to the high school- and brought the school’s operations to a grinding halt. Three students now face criminal charges.

Police officials say there was extra manpower on hand throughout the day to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.

Senior Jason Eck said, “There were a lot of kids not at school, because their parents didn’t want them going to school, I guess. But, it was alright, just a normal day.”

Now, arguments over the district’s cell phone police are taking center stage. That’s because exaggerated rumors and false information sent out by students caused quite a panic among parents.

Eck noted, “I think they just wanted their parents to know they were ok. I mean, I was talking to my mom, like yeah I’m ok, I’m fine, nothing happened with me.”

School Resource Officer Jason Bolt explained the district’s stance on cell phones.

Bolt noted, “They’re allowed to have cell phones. However, they’re supposed to be off and not in use during the course of the day. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to heed that rule.”

Some parents tried to rush the school after getting false reports of stabbings and gunshots during Tuesday’s brawl.

Parent Arista Huffman said, “I want to know that my child’s going to be safe in that Williamsport High School. At this point, I don’t feel that my child is safe.”

Many parents we spoke with say that, even though it goes against school policy, they’re glad their kids contacted them when police showed up.

Huffman said, “My daughter’s cell phone is her safety. That’s a safety tool to her. If she’s in trouble, she can get a hold of me by that cell phone.”

There’s no word yet if any students will face punishment for using their cell phones when Tuesday’s fights broke out.

School officials say attendance at the high school was actually down about 11% Wednesday. We’re told all club meetings and activities are going on according to schedule.