SPS sees big changes with cell phone ban, ‘Engage IRL’ initiative

SPOKANE, WA — When the bell rings at Glover Middle School, students aren’t reaching for their phones — they’re catching up with friends face to face.

That’s the new normal under Spokane Public Schools’ district-wide cell phone ban, one of two major changes implemented this year to help students unplug and reconnect. The policy, coupled with the “Engage IRL” initiative, aims to improve student mental health, focus in class, and involvement in after-school activities.

“It’s probably been the most significant change I’ve seen in kids in the 22 years that I’ve been a principal,” said Glover Middle School Principal Mike Stark.

Under the new policy, middle school students must store their phones when the school day begins. Devices stay out of sight until the final bell.

The shift is already showing results. Stark said student engagement has skyrocketed since the initiative launched. When he first arrived at Glover, only 24% of students were involved in extracurricular activities. Now, that number is nearly 80%.

“So four out of every five kids walking through the hall has participated in at least one club or activity,” Stark said.

Across all grade levels, the district reports a 36% increase in student involvement.

One of the new programs born from this initiative is Falcon Cheer. Sixth grader Kiki, the team’s cheer captain, said the school’s growing number of clubs made an immediate impact on her.

“When I came here, we got the option of so many other clubs,” she said. “My mom was like, ‘Oh, she’s going to love these.’”

Stark said the most noticeable change is that students are interacting the way kids used to — face to face, playing and talking during free time, not glued to screens.

“It kind of reminds me of what school was like when I was a kid growing up — where, you know, we had to play with each other,” Stark said.

For families looking to keep the momentum going this summer, you can find our “Get Outside Guide.”