Students and staff at CHAH were interviewed about the recent phone ban that Governor Kathy Hochul has applied to all public schools in New York.
Teachers at CHAH observed students interacting and making more friends, meaning that without these phones and without students stuck to a screen, they are instead getting to know each other.
“I think I’ve seen students socializing more, focusing more, not using the bathroom as much, and being overall happier in school,” said Amanda Valenti, an 11th grade science teacher.
Staff have begun seeing some stronger results academically, with students paying more attention in class.
“If you take one thing the students can’t control–the phone in their pockets–they will focus a little more,” said dean Jennifer Villa.
Not all students feel as positively as staff.
“I think instead of taking our phone for the whole day, there should be a bin for us to put our phones in,” said Sinderlyne Ledoux, a junior.
She believes students should have access to their phones in cases of emergencies and for entertainment.
Teachers disagree. They think the ban is effective.
“We no longer have a culture of students being on their phones in class, and that’s a huge victory, and it’s 100% worth the time and effort that the amazing staff puts into it,” Valenti said.
David Falciani • Apr 29, 2026 at 9:13 am
Thanks for covering this very important and hotly debated topic. It is nice to hear the positive comments. I agree that the phone ban is necessary and shouldn’t be seen as a punishment, but more as a policy to help students focus and engage more with their school work and the world around them. Great job!