BY DESIREE PICAZO

WCHS admin has addressed a new cell phone policy change likely beginning the 2015-2016 school year that is more versatile to individual classroom and student needs.

By creating three respective “zones” for cell phone use, teachers will be able to switch zones interchangeably depending on the appropriate circumstance.

“An outright ban on electronics isn’t realistic,” said Dean Joe Prestella.

The rule was proposed to help both teachers who have different rules and for students to have less confusion on what the rules are.

“I like it because it allows students to use technology in the classroom. I think it works out pretty well,” said History Teacher Manny Lopez.

The zones cover all areas of the campus from the quad to the class and are identified as green, yellow, and red. The green zone covers all areas around the quad, cafeteria, and hallways where appropriate use of cell phones are allowed and are not a disruption to other students.

Yellow and red zones are for inside class times where teachers will be allowed to decide which zone they want their class to follow. Yellow zone indicates cell phone usage will be admitted under educational circumstances such as calculators, internet research use, or appropriate pictures and emails. Red zones indicate cell phones must remain out of sight and must be turned off or silent.

“I feel like it’s more elementary because we still shouldn’t have restrictions on when to use our phone. We’re mature adults and we know what we’re doing,” said sophomore David Nguyen.

Usually the rules for cell phones are strictly under the assumed red zone or green zone rules, but with this change, teachers will be able to realistically apply the convenience of technology at the times they want. Symbols will be attached to the whiteboard so students can see what zone rules to follow as soon as they walk in the class, and are expected to respect those rules.

If students choose not to follow the rules, there will be a mark down on their citizenship grade. The dean’s office will no longer be confiscating devices, and teachers are also expected not to hold onto any phones. The school no longer wants to be held accountable for these devices and expect students to take full liability for their actions. If students have a record of inappropriate cell phone usage, it will be reported to the deans and the office will handle any problems with the individual.

“I think it will give students a better understanding of when phones are appropriate and when they are not,” said history teacher Katheryn Cayem.