GoKawiilGov. Tina Kotek said she chose Estacada High for her visit because of the positive things happening within the district. (Staff photo: Christopher Keizur)
Gov. Tina Kotek visited Estacada High School to hear how her cell phone ban has been going. (Staff photo: Christopher Keizur)
There was plenty of uncertainty and debate about the effectiveness of a cell phone ban decreed by executive order last summer.
But at least in Estacada, the policy has earned two thumbs up, including approval from a “grumpy old teacher.”
Jeff Mellema is a language arts teacher at Estacada High School. He has worked in the building for 24 years, and he said the new policy that prohibits students from using their phones during the day has been a breath of fresh air.
“There is so much better discourse in my classroom, be it personal or academic,” Mellema said. “Students can’t avoid those conversations anymore with their phones.”
“This ban has brought joy back to this old, grumpy teacher,” he added with a smile.
That is the kind of feedback Gov. Tina Kotek was hoping for as she visited Estacada High School on Wednesday afternoon, March 18. Her goal was to visit classrooms, speak with administrators, and meet with students one-on-one to hear about the effectiveness of her phone policy.
“I knew when I put out the order, not everyone would love it from day one,” Gov. Kotek said. “I appreciate all the feedback today.”
“You have an amazing school. Go Rangers,” she added with a smile.
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