With the start of the 2025–2026 school year, Oak Lawn Community High School has introduced a major change: phone cubbies. What was once optional has now become mandatory, and what previously didn’t exist has become an essential part of each student’s classroom experience. Instead of storing phones in individual pouches as in past years, students are now required to place their phones in assigned cubby pockets before class begins, keeping them completely out of reach.
While some students argue that this system restricts access to their phones, others see the policy as a positive step. “It helps me maintain my concentration,” said junior Alexa Rivera.
Principal Dr. Lauren May emphasized that this was the original intention: “To increase student engagement with learning and reduce distractions.” AP Literature teacher Mr. Denton added that the cubbies not only help students focus but also cut down on “the negative banter” between students and teachers regarding phone use.
Not all students agree, however. Senior Sarah Alqazq believes the rule is unfair, noting that some students are responsible enough to manage their own phones. “I don’t like it. For some people, it’s necessary, and others are more responsible, so they should be able to keep their phones,” she explained.
This concern has left some teachers questioning whether all students should be held to the same standard. As a compromise, certain advanced and honors classes have allowed students to keep their phones with them. Still, many teachers report that the policy has been effective overall. Assistant Principal Mr. Marcus Wargin has already declared the phone cubby system a “success.”
Yet, safety concerns remain part of the debate. In the case of an emergency, some worry that students may be delayed when seeking shelter or evacuating. Arabic Honors teacher Mrs. Elmasry voiced a personal concern: “I wish the students could be more responsible, so they could keep their phones because I feel that phones are a personal item.” Even with cubbies, she added, students sometimes need reminders to put their phones away.
However, since students are still able to access their phones during lunch and in the hallways, many view this as a privilege, especially when compared to schools like Alan High School in Texas, which have completely banned phones rather than using cubbies like OLCHS.
The phone pouches are definitely beneficial, as they help students pay more attention to their iPads. However, one device that can be even more distracting than phones is the iPad. While the ban on phones has encouraged students to focus more on their iPads, it has also led them to find creative ways to get distracted.
As a diligent student, I usually follow my teacher’s instructions quite well. However, knowing that my phone is not in front of me makes me feel tempted to rebel. I recognize that the phone ban has positively impacted many students, including me, by shifting our attention towards our teachers. Although I have never struggled much with phone distractions, I now find myself grappling with distractions from my iPad. While the ban on phones has redirected students’ focus, that “somewhere else” is still a concern.
For now, the cubbies remain in place, symbolizing the school’s push to minimize distractions and foster focus. But the conversation over responsibility, safety, and fairness continues to unfold.
