Cheney Middle School principal says students are following the cellphone rule

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — “They put it away without argument for the most part. Not that we haven’t had the occasional students who wanted to argue it. Most of the time, it’s because there’s something going on at home or they want to be able to communicate with a parent which is understandable,” said Amber Rudolph, Principal at Cheney Middle School.

At Cheney Middle School, if students need to take a phone call or contact their parents, they can do so by going to the main office. Otherwise, they can send messages through their email.

Prior to the cellphone ban taking effect, the school had implemented its own rule on phones. This came after parents had shared their concerns about photos being sent through social media to other students.

“It gradually became our problem to solve, and so we got rid of phones at lunches. Forced kids to communicate with one another, talk to each other. And so the past couple of years, they’ve only been allowed during before school, after school, and passing time. But this year, they’re not allowed at all,” said Rudolph.

Throughout West Fargo Public Schools, cellphones, smart watches, and other personal devices are to be out of sight and out of use from the beginning of school to the end of the school day. The devices cannot be used while going to the bathroom, passing period, recess, or other times throughout the school day.

“At the middle school level, all three of us, if we see it, we hear it, we take it. And the first time we give it back at the end of the day. Anytime after that, we have parents come in and pick them up. And it’s an inconvenience and I don’t love it, but ultimately we want it to be a learning moment,” said Rudolph.

Students at Cheney Middle School have been following the rules, according to Rudolph. There are only a number of students who have the need to use their phones for medical reasons. And moving forward, the school sees no issue with the ban.

The cellphone ban is currently in effect for the 2025-2026 school year, while some schools have adapted to not having phones. Cheney allows students to bring their phones but not use them during the school day.