WOODLAND PARK – On Tuesday, the Woodland Park School District (WPSD) announced new cell phone restrictions for this school year.

WPSD says cell phone use will be banned in classrooms. Students must put their cell phones in an area selected by their teacher during class.

The district says cell phones are prohibited during class unless the teacher allows it for special classes or circumstances. WPSD says they hope this initiative will minimize distractions so students can better focus on their studies and class activities.

“We believe that reducing cell phone use in the classroom will significantly improve our students’ concentration and engagement, leading to greater academic success,” said Superintendent Ken Witt. “Our goal is to create a learning environment where students can focus on learning activities without unnecessary distractions.”

The district says the school office is available to communicate with students in urgent matters.

WPSD says these restrictions are consistent with its commitment to academic excellence.

Colorado Springs School District 11 has a “no cell phone” policy that requires middle and high school students to lock their cell phones in magnetic bags for the day.

News5 analyzes the 11th District’s “phone ban” policy

___

Professional bull riders leave Pueblo

The Professional Bull Riders are leaving Pueblo after 17 years. The company is moving to Texas, costing the city jobs and millions of dollars to recruit and retain new riders in southern Colorado.

Professional bull riders travel to Texas

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app for Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search for KOAA News5, download it and start watching.