North Providence schools cell phone policy is 'very effective'

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Hundreds of students will have their first day of school on Tuesday in North Providence.

As a new school year begins, one of the biggest focuses in North Providence schools is their cell phone policy.

Superintendent Joseph Goho said it has been very effective inside the classroom at all grade levels.

"We have a no cell phone policy that's been in place for years. More recently, we piloted it in the middle schools and at the high school, locked pouches or safes so phones aren't used during class," Goho explained. "There wasn't much pushback. I have to say, what's been reported by teachers is that students are more engaged, more focused, and because of those steps, it's really been a real joy to see."

The district is also taking new steps with technology,