KIMBALL -- Kimball Public Schools is creating a device-free environment for the 2024-25 school year. 

The decision is based on wanting to improve the learning environment in the classrooms and bring the students’ focus back to their peers outside of classroom time. 

Kimball Jr./Sr. High Principal Danielle Reader says it’s concerning to see the research done on how detrimental screen time is on the growing generation’s social skills. 

“They sit across from each other at lunch and they’re sitting on their phones while talking to each other,” Reader said. “Our mission is to educate them for a lifetime of success, and when they leave this building, they’re going to need to be able to interact and converse with people.” 

For the past few years, the classrooms have been device-free, but students were still allowed to access them between classes and during lunch. However, Reader said the idea of having access to their phones periodically still caused distraction. 

The biggest difference this year is that students in Pre-K through 6th grade will be required to turn their devices off and store them in their lockers from the beginning of the school day through the end. Devices include cell phones, smart watches and Bluetooth devices. 

Reader said she wants to see the kids fully benefit from a healthy separation from their devices due to the impacts it can have on mental health, especially for teenage girls. 

Reader has already noticed a shift in the social environment. 

“It’s nice to hear the buzz in the cafeteria at lunch with the kids sitting around the tables talking to each other,” she said. 

Students in grades 9-12 can earn the privilege to leave campus for lunch and be able to retrieve their devices until they return from lunch. To do so, each quarter they must receive all C’s or better, two or fewer tardies, two or fewer referrals to the homework assistance program, and no office referrals for behavior. 

“We really just want to keep students engaged in the learning, help them develop social skills, and reduce cyberbullying during the school day,” Reader said. “Ultimately, it aligns with our mission of making them successful adults when they leave, and phones really hinder that at their age.” 

The policy received positive feedback on Facebook from community members, former students and school staff. 

Mattew Shoup commented: “As a school system, we are striving to be the best we can be. We want our students to be the best they can be ... Every year we work towards making our students the most successful they can be through policies and procedures. These things are the backbone of us becoming the great school system that we once were.” 

Former student Hannah Schildhauer commented: “I did feel technology was a big distraction during school ... but high school was so much more enjoyable without my phone.”