The upcoming school year at ANHS has opened the doors to a new set of policies. The Capistrano Unified District has implemented new guidelines that students are expected to follow.
One of the most controversial rules this year is a result of the Phone-Free School Act. Not only is this regional for the Capistrano District, but it is mandated throughout the state of California. Governor Newsom signed a piece of legislation which stated that schools, including charter schools and county office of education, had to form policies that reduce the use of smartphones by July 1, 2026.
While ANHS had already provided phone “cubbies” to hold students’ phones during class time, this year the administration is requiring teachers to prevent students from utilizing their phones during Wolverine Plus as well.
“I’ve gotten pretty used to not using my phone during class, but I think taking our phones away during Wolverine plus is kinda pointless. I would typically use my phone to help me with homework or as a mental break from my 90 minute classes,” shares Abby Lee (12).
Although there are various students that agree with Lee, there are staff that believe this will overall help students with their classes. For many people, technology has been seen as a distraction to schoolwork, but on the other hand they could also be used as a facilitator for work.
ANHS has also opened the door to the infamous “5 Star Students” application. This app has multiple features that showcase every individual applicant their classes, behavior reports, upcoming events and their student ID barcode.
Staff administration is requiring every student to download this application because it is extremely helpful for proctors who check students’ schedules when leaving campus early. Students that have a free period can easily access the app and show the supervisor that they have a pass to leave rather than having to get a sticker from the office.
One of the attendance clerks, Mrs. Leash claims, “We would not be giving out stickers till the third week of school. It helps us because we don’t get bummed out with hundreds of ID cards coming in with stickers. You don’t have to fear losing your ID card either because everything’s on there.”
Showing up to any school event such as football games or dances has also become easier than ever with this application. Yearly, students tend to forget their IDs at home or in their car; however, 5 Star grants students a stress-free entry if they happen to lose their ID. Additionally, staff do not have to struggle with attending to students’ needs if a dilemma were to arise because they forgot their ID.
Despite there being a few students dissatisfied with certain aspects of these new policies, the overall goal from the school administration has been to facilitate the needs and education of scholars at ANHS. The new Phone-Free School Act and the 5 Star Students App requirement aims to make a positive impact on the school’s campus.
